Just two steps off Nevsky Prospect is one of the most popular theatres on the banks of the Neva River - the Academic Maly Drama Theatre directed by Lev Dodin.
From a legal point of view, it is a federal theatre. However, a short time ago to the official name of the theatre, written in gilt letters on the frieze of the theatre facade, two more words were added -- Theatre of Europe. The International Union of Drama Theatres awarded The Maly Drama Theatre with this honorary title at its 18th General Assembly. The reason is, that performances staged by the St. Petersburg theatre are well known not only in St. Petersburg but also far beyond Russia. Every performance on every continent (except in Africa and the Antarctica) is always sold out. Numerous notices in many foreign magazines and newspapers astound with enthusiastic headlines like Deep Felt Play, Scalding Dramatic Trepidation or Triumph of the Russian Theatre.
"Abroad, just like here, at home, the audience is attracted by an encounter with genuine art," says director Lev Dodin. "You can't trap the public and have them seated patiently in an auditorium for a long time (for instance, our three part play based on Dostoyevsky's novel The Possessed lasts for about ten hours altogether!), unless what is taking place on the stage is in keeping with the audience's own thoughts and feelings. With the utmost sincerity and passion our actors share their ideas on the contemporary moral and spiritual problems that disturb everyone. I believe that it is this very sincerity and authenticity that attracts audiences in Paris, London, Brussels and Amsterdam, as well as in St. Petersburg."
