THE VAKHTANGOV SCHOOL: CREATION OF TEACHING METHODS

Abstract

The article presents information about the faithful disciple of Evgeny Vakhtangov, Boris Zakhava. For 50 years, Boris Zakhava continuously led the Shchukin Theater Institute. He was, perhaps, the only one of Vakhtangov’s students who, having come to the Studio from the first days of its foundation, remained faithful to the theatrical principles of Evgeny Vakhtangov. Also, the article examines the period of creation of Zakhava’s method of teaching acting at the Shchukin Theater Institute. A significant role in the formation of Zakhava as a theorist and teacher was played by his teacher, Evgeny Vakhtangov, a student of Stanislavski. Vakhtangov mastered the method of Stanislavski’s work with an actor and became the head of the Mansurov Studio, continued to search for new theatrical techniques, influencing the formation of Zakhava’s creative personality. In his practice, Vakhtangov moved away from the realism of the early Moscow Art Theater and created his direction, which he called fantastic realism. Thanks to his pedagogical talent, many wonderful actors appeared, who were able to achieve the independence of the Studio and organise not only the theatre named after their teacher but also to preserve the theatre school based on the principles of the work of Evgeny Vakhtangov. The name of Zakhava is not often heard in the theatre environment at present; however, his contribution to the preservation of the Vakhtangov Theater and the Shchukin Theater Institute is fundamental. The educational system within the walls of the Shchukin Theater Institute was created based on the practical works of Stanislavsky (first year) and the theoretical and practical works of Zakhava, who preserved in his memory the precepts of his teacher, Evgeny Vakhtangov. Work on creating a methodology for acting was actively going on in the 1930s. For several years, Zakhava was engaged in developing the education system, engaging Vakhtangov’s direct students in pedagogical activities at the school. And as a result, a unified educational system with specific goals and objectives, as well as a set of exercises for each semester was created. Zakhava contributed to the creation of one of the best theatre educational institutions in the country. His activities were entirely directed into pedagogy to help students master the Vakhtangov method of education.