 |
Boris BalabanUkrainian Soviet theatre actor and director
Date of Birth: 05.01.1906
|
Content:
- Early Life and Theatre Career
- Directing Debut and "Berezil"
- Support for Les Kurbas
- Moscow and Leningrad
- Lviv and Alma-Ata
- Post-War Career
Early Life and Theatre Career
Boris Nikitin was born on February 19, 1900, in Kiev, Ukraine. He initially pursued an acting career, joining Les Kurbas's renowned theatre, "Berezil," in 1922. He studied at Kurbas's directing laboratory and moved with the theatre to Kharkiv in 1926. Nikitin played significant roles, including the Buffoon in "Jacquerie" (1925) and Kulikovsky in "Prologue" (1927).
Directing Debut and "Berezil"
In 1931, Nikitin made his directing debut with "Four Chamberlains." He remained with "Berezil" as a director until 1934 while simultaneously serving as artistic director of the Kharkiv Theatre of Musical Comedy from 1929 to 1934.
Support for Les Kurbas
During the suppression of "Berezil" in 1933-1934, Nikitin was among the few who openly defended Kurbas.
Moscow and Leningrad
Following the disbandment of "Berezil," Nikitin worked briefly in Leningrad. From 1934 to 1940, he established himself in Moscow, notably at the Maly Theatre.
Lviv and Alma-Ata
After his time in Moscow, Nikitin moved to Lviv. During World War II, he evacuated to Alma-Ata, where he appeared in the second part of Sergei Eisenstein's "Ivan the Terrible" (1946), portraying the young Ivan's jester.
Post-War Career
In 1944-1947, Nikitin served as chief director of the Kiev Operetta Theatre. From 1949 onwards, he became the director of the Kiev Ivan Franko Drama Theatre. Throughout his career, he directed theatrical evenings and thematic concerts, leaving a significant mark on the Ukrainian theatrical landscape.
