“The History of the Village of Goryukhino” — A One-Man Play Based on the Story by A. S. Pushkin. Part One of the “Pushkin — Reflections” Triptych

History is full of remarkable coincidences. On October 31, 1830, Alexander Pushkin signed the manuscript of his story The History of the Village of Goryukhino. Exactly 196 years later, on that very date, audiences will see a story born during Pushkin's famous Boldino Autumn — a story that is humorous, moving, poignant and deeply human, exploring love for one's homeland and the desire to change the world for the better.

The historic setting of the Home Theater has been chosen for a reason. Pushkin's name holds special significance for Yusupov Palace: the poet personally knew Prince Nikolai Borisovich Yusupov and dedicated his poem To a Grandee (K velmozhe) to him. The original manuscript of this poetic tribute was discovered among other treasures in a secret hiding place belonging to the Yusupov family after the Revolution.

The History of the Village of Goryukhino, a one-man play performed by Honored Artist of Russia Sergei Barkovsky, is the first production in the Pushkin — Reflections triptych, which will be presented at Yusupov Palace throughout the theatrical season. We are reviving the tradition of intimate family theatre, creating an opportunity for heartfelt conversation in the welcoming yet elegant atmosphere of the Home Theater, a place that still holds memories of performances by members of the Yusupov family.

The play's central character, Ivan Petrovich Belkin, uses the life of a single village to tell a story about the fate of humanity as a whole. His village of Goryukhino becomes a country in its own right, governed by its own laws and customs and inhabited by people with their own joys and sorrows. In every story, the audience will recognise something familiar, something close to their own hearts.

The talented actor Sergei Barkovsky moves effortlessly between the roles of the fictional historian Belkin and Pushkin himself, creating an extraordinary theatrical illusion that feels instantly convincing. Puppets become his fellow performers, bringing together the traditions of dramatic theatre and traditional vertep puppet theatre. Through these puppet characters, the audience discovers both the tragedy and the comedy of life in Goryukhino.

This parable-like performance offers an opportunity to enjoy Pushkin's language and enter the writer's creative world, discovering a story he had already conceived but ultimately did not include in the final collection The Tales of the Late Ivan Petrovich Belkin.

Entrance to the performance: 94 Moika River Embankment, 30 minutes before the performance begins.

For information about this event, please contact:

+7 (812) 313 59 36 — Ticket Desk

+7 (812) 314 98 83 — Palace Ticket Office