On August 7, 2025, at the Yasnaya Polyana Cultural Center, a performance of “Wolves and Sheep” will take place as part of the project “Theatre in Estates.” The Vologda Drama Theatre will present its interpretation of the play by Alexander Ostrovsky.
The premiere of the performance took place six years ago. The director is Mikhail Skandarov, a professor at the State Institute of Theatre Art.
Ostrovsky’s classic play about swindlers and their victims, inspired by a real court case, has taken on the genre definition of a “comedy-waltz” in this new production. The director aimed to bring to life on stage the spirit of old-fashioned theatre with its rich scenery and lavish costumes. The visual component of the performance is enhanced with Vologda lace ornamentation.
“People deceive each other with such rapture, so beautifully, so easily and elegantly—it’s as if they’re weaving lace! It seems to me that this is the most ‘French’ play in Ostrovsky’s legacy—due to the virtuosity of the characters’ dialogues. When you read or listen to it, a sense of musical-melodic rhythm arises, and I feel like it’s a waltz,” — shares Mikhail Skandarov.
The “Theatre in Estates” project is a series of theatrical performances held in estate-museums and other historical spaces throughout Russia. It has been implemented since 2021 by ROSKONCERT, with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation. The project aims to introduce audiences to theatrical art in a unique cultural environment. Last year, as part of the “Theatre in Estates” project, Kaluga Youth Theatre presented a performance of “The Storm” at Yasnaya Polyana.
The premiere of the performance took place six years ago. The director is Mikhail Skandarov, a professor at the State Institute of Theatre Art.
Ostrovsky’s classic play about swindlers and their victims, inspired by a real court case, has taken on the genre definition of a “comedy-waltz” in this new production. The director aimed to bring to life on stage the spirit of old-fashioned theatre with its rich scenery and lavish costumes. The visual component of the performance is enhanced with Vologda lace ornamentation.
“People deceive each other with such rapture, so beautifully, so easily and elegantly—it’s as if they’re weaving lace! It seems to me that this is the most ‘French’ play in Ostrovsky’s legacy—due to the virtuosity of the characters’ dialogues. When you read or listen to it, a sense of musical-melodic rhythm arises, and I feel like it’s a waltz,” — shares Mikhail Skandarov.
The “Theatre in Estates” project is a series of theatrical performances held in estate-museums and other historical spaces throughout Russia. It has been implemented since 2021 by ROSKONCERT, with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation. The project aims to introduce audiences to theatrical art in a unique cultural environment. Last year, as part of the “Theatre in Estates” project, Kaluga Youth Theatre presented a performance of “The Storm” at Yasnaya Polyana.
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