Russia’s most hated politician has been filling a Moscow theater for almost two months, with seats up to 250 euros that sell out in an hour. The play that everyone wants to see in the Russian capital with the country’s most famous actors is simply called ” Gorbachev “. The key to success ? It is an artistic choice unprecedented in Russia: above all to portray the man behind politics, and to celebrate the couple that the last leader of the Soviet Union formed with his wife Raïssa.
” I was not married to the country, to Russia or the Soviet Union, but to Raïssa. This sentence of Mikhail Gorbachev in his memoirs is the common thread of the piece so warmly applauded.
” I liked this mix between love and great history, among other things because my childhood was spent when the country was ruled by Gorbachev. And then his relationship with Raïssa Maksimovna, that also kind of educated us, it was a model for young people at the time. “
The meeting between Mikhail and Raïssa, central point of the play
Childhood and adolescence are evoked, but the real starting point is when the young student in Moscow meets his life at a dance party at the university.
” – Hello, I am Mikhail Gorbachev, I am in law school.
– Hello, Raïssa Titarenko, I’m studying philosophy.
– But the philosophy course is in the same building as the law school, and suddenly that means we also live in the same student residence on Stromynka Street … but how did I manage to not see her so far? Come on, it’s decided, I invite him to the next dance! “
Obviously, there will be a dance, walks, conversations … Everyone knows the end of the story, but the room vibrates with each date. Married, the Gorbachevs love each other, bicker, reconcile … in almost 3 hours of text. When Raïssa dies, the presence of the inconsolable widower fills all the space. His last words: a monologue.
Mikhail Gorbachev, box on his knees, takes stock of his beloved wife’s belongings: ” I saved everything intact. Ah, there you go ! This cherry-colored suit and blouse, that’s what she was wearing when I fell in love with her, still a student… There is still the smell of her perfume. All its world of feminine finesse ! “
A deep silence then a thunderous applause …
Another look at the Russian leader
” In Russia, we are not used to seeing our leaders as human beings. For us, the people in power have nothing to do with real life. All leaders, including our current president, are people with no personal history. And then, aside, there is Gorbachev. He is alive, he is understandable, he is near. “
So close, Gorbachev, that a little over a year ago he came to the premiere of the play. With him, and still today, spectators who want to relive a period felt, it is rare in Russia, as very happy.
” Right now, however, we are going back to Brezhnev’s time, to lying, the fear of telling the truth openly. Fortunately, there are still theaters and directors who always say the right thing. “