Fedor Volkov Creator of the first Russian theater Date of Birth: 20.02.1729 Country: Russia

1. The Creator of the First Russian Theater
2. Early Life and Education
3. The Birth of Russian Theater
4. Legacy and Recognition
5. Death and Legacy

The Creator of the First Russian Theater

Interestingly, the birthplace of Russian theater is not Moscow or St. Petersburg. Russian theater emerged not in the capital, but in the ancient Russian city of Yaroslavl. It was here in 1750 that the Russian actor Fyodor Grigorievich Volkov founded the first professional theater troupe in Russia.

Early Life and Education

Fyodor Grigorievich Volkov, a Russian actor and theater figure, was born in 1729 in Kostroma. Losing his father at a young age, Volkov found a loving and caring stepfather in the form of a merchant named Polushkin. While studying in Moscow, where he was sent for his education, Volkov became deeply and permanently captivated by the theater. He became consumed by his newfound passion and spent several years studying the art and craft of the stage.

The Birth of Russian Theater

Upon his return to Yaroslavl, where his family resided, Volkov organized a theater troupe and began performing in a stone barn. The first performance took place on June 29, 1750, featuring the drama "Esther". Two years later, by the order of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna, Volkov and his comrades were summoned to St. Petersburg. In 1756, the most significant event in the theatrical life of 18th century Russia occurred - the establishment of the "Russian Theater for the Presentation of Tragedies and Comedies," the first state professional theater. Fyodor Volkov was immediately appointed as the "first Russian actor," and Alexander Sumarokov was appointed as the theater director. Only after Sumarokov's death in 1761 did Volkov become the director of "his" theater. In order to assume this position, Fyodor Grigorievich turned down the position of a cabinet minister.

Legacy and Recognition

In total, Fyodor Volkov wrote about 15 plays, none of which have survived to this day. He was also the author of numerous solemn odes and songs. Today, the Volkov Theater is one of the most famous and prominent "non-capital" theaters in Russia. It hosts the well-known International Volkov Festival, the laureates of which are awarded the Fyodor Volkov Government Prize of the Russian Federation. Provincial theaters present their best performances based on Russian classics at this festival, which also hosts scientific conferences for art historians. Scientific conferences, theater performances, and shows are all dedicated to Russian theater. The festival traditionally attracts a large number of theater enthusiasts, and the city of Yaroslavl is filled with guests during these days, with hotels hospitably opening their doors to modern servants of Melpomene.

Death and Legacy

Fyodor Grigorievich Volkov's life was cut short during his rise to fame. During a masquerade ball titled "Triumphant Minerva" in 1763, he caught a cold and never recovered. On April 4, 1763, the great Russian actor passed away. Fyodor Volkov was buried in Moscow, at the Andronikov Monastery cemetery. Although his grave did not survive, a memorial plaque was installed in the cemetery. However, the best tribute to the actor is the theater named after him - the Russian State Academic Drama Theater named after Fyodor Volkov in Yaroslavl.