Meyerhold and his Magnanimous Cuckold.

Meyerhold. Now there's a surprise practitioner. Forget Brecht, Stanislavski or any of that lot. This man has done some interesting stuff. He learns under the guidance of Stanislavski in the Moscow Art Theatre then goes off to experiment with new styles of theatre, coming up with a reaction against Naturalism that means Stanislavski hates his work. Hooray for Avant-Garde!

In 1922 he collaborates with a Constructivist set designer - Popova- to put on The Magnanimous Cuckold. I would have loved to see the performance. Or one like it today. A minimalist set, made of pipes bars and boards that actors can climb on or even slide down. A Commedia Dell 'Arte style of performance that's very physical but also reflects the machine style of the Constructalism. I find it hard to imagine what the performance would look like or have the narrative is conveyed but it is one I would love to see.

What also surprised me is how much Brecht was influenced by Meyehold. Not a clue that Meyerhold was using techniques such as the half curtain and distancing actors from their characters. Brecht, you have been receiving too much credit! (Although I don't want to do Brecht down too much he again is a very good practitioner) Meyerhold has surprised me however because it was not a name I had heard of until asked to do a presentation on him.

Shame Stalin ruined it all. Shut down Meyerhold's theatre and had him shot because Meyerhold was anti-socialist. Nice one Stalin.

This is a good website for more information on the production:
The Magnanimous Cuckold