St. Petersburg’s legacy continues to inspire as Georgy Tovstonogov’s name graces a new chapter of the Grand Tour program. The Bolshoi Drama Theater (BDT) in St. Petersburg is set to bring Andrei Moguchy’s Thunderstorm to the Young Spectators Theater in Yekaterinburg for the first time. This milestone was confirmed by TASS, citing the Ural theater’s press service.
The show is scheduled for March 15 and 16, marking a fresh installment in the All-Russian Grand Tours initiative. Commemorating the 200th anniversary of the renowned Russian playwright Alexander Ostrovsky, the production in Yekaterinburg adapts a classic from Moguchy while highlighting Ostrovsky’s enduring influence. The press service noted that Ostrovsky’s name will be prominently acknowledged during the performance run.
Featured in the touring cast is Marina Ignatova, a People’s Artist of Russia, portraying Kabanikh. Anatoly Petrov, an Honored Artist of Russia, takes on the role of Kuligin’s inventor. Local audiences from the Urals will also see CIS actress Olga Vankova in the lead role of Katarina, with Alexander Kuznetsov contributing to the ensemble. The renowned soloist from the Mikhailovsky Theatre will perform Boris Grigoryevich, bringing a distinctive operatic presence to the production.
Thunderstorm has earned high critical regard, including prestigious recognitions such as the Golden Mask for the best director’s work and the Golden Soffit for a masterful large-stage presentation, underscoring the show’s artistic merit and its resonance with contemporary theatre audiences.
In related news, dancers from Russia and several international companies recently gathered on a Cyprus stage, signaling a renewal of international collaboration in performing arts after a period of disruption. The current engagements in Yekaterinburg align with a broader effort to celebrate stagecraft across the region and to showcase top-tier theatre on major touring platforms, reinforcing the importance of cultural exchange within Russia and beyond.