New Life for Passion for Bumbarash in Sevastopol
The Moscow-based Oleg Tabakov Theater unveiled a refreshed version of Passion for Bumbarash, a production deeply rooted in its repertoire and history. The staging took place in a unique outdoor setting at the Tauric Chersonese State Museum-Reserve, with support from the Presidential Cultural Initiatives Fund, which helped organize the tour and bring this revival to life for audiences in Sevastopol.
The premiere on August 9 drew a crowd of about 1,500 spectators, a testament to the enduring appeal of this beloved musical drama. The theater’s artistic director, Vladimir Mashkov, stood before the gathering to offer thanks to local leaders and residents for their warm reception and hospitality. He highlighted the collaborative spirit that made the performance possible and set a tone of shared celebration for the night.
“The performance you will see today has a long and happy life,” Mashkov commented to the audience. “I will not say what it is about, because each person will interpret it in their own way. What I can share is that today’s experience is different from 1993, when the piece first graced the stage. You will hear the wonderful songs of Vladimir Dashkevich and Yuli Kim, so if you recognize a melody, please join in and sing along. Oleg Pavlovich once said that applause for artists is like the wings of a plane lifting into flight.”
Passion for Bumbarash began as a collaborative adaptation drawn from plays and poems by Yuli Kim, set to the music of Vladimir Dashkevich. The piece first appeared on the Oleg Tabakov Theater poster in 1993 and became a staple of the company for eighteen years, maintaining a strong connection with audiences through successive seasons and complex productions.
Following a period of closure, Oleg Tabakov envisioned a revival that would honor the original spirit while infusing new life through contemporary artistry. The latest staging brings together artists from multiple generations, ranging from longtime participants to students of the Tabakov theater school. The production process benefits from a blend of experience and fresh energy, creating a bridge between past and present performance practice.
For the new rendition, Kim and Dashkevich contributed additional musical works that expand the musical landscape of Passion for Bumbarash. On the creative team, Mashkov collaborated with designer Alexander Borovsky, choreographer Alla Sigalova, costume designer Marina Borovskaya, and lighting designer Damir Ismagilov, all of whom added distinctive touches that elevate the visual and auditory experience. The collaboration emphasizes a holistic approach to theater, where music, movement, costume, and light work in concert to tell a story that resonates across generations.
The Tabakov Theater’s performances in Chersonese are scheduled to continue through August 13, inviting audiences to witness a revival that honors a storied past while inviting new appreciation. The outdoor venue provides a unique backdrop, blending art with landscape and inviting spectators to experience theater in a less conventional, more intimate setting. The production stands as a testament to the enduring draw of classic material when treated with thoughtful adaptation and a modern sensibility, offering both nostalgia for longtime fans and discovery for newcomers.