Yagan Kunsht
- The Birth of Russian Theater
- The First Theater
- The Suharev School
- A Prankish Joke
- The Comedian's Liberty
The Birth of Russian Theater
In 1702, Tsar Peter the Great sent a former Hungarian "comediant" named Johann Splavsky to Danzig to recruit a troupe. Splavsky returned with nine comedians from various German traveling troupes, led by Kuntsch.
The First Theater
The troupe initially performed at Lefortovo Palace, but a dedicated theater was soon constructed on Red Square. In the same year, the Tsar ordered 12 young Russians from the ranks of clerks and townsfolk to be trained as actors under Kuntsch's guidance.
The Suharev School
Kuntsch also taught the art of comedy to students at the Suharev Shipbuilding School, who performed their comedies in Suharev Tower, sometimes in the presence of Peter himself.
A Prankish Joke
On April 1, 1704, Kuntsch released an enticing announcement for a new play. The Tsar was among the attendees, but when the curtain rose, the audience saw the inscription "Today is April Fool's Day" emblazoned on the stage.
The Comedian's Liberty
Peter expressed no displeasure, remarking only, "That is the comediant's liberty." However, Kuntsch, fearing the Tsar's wrath, fled Russia.
