Moscow Art Theatre*

Moscow Art Theatre*

1897-8 - The Moscow Art Theatre* is founded when Nemirovich-Danchenko** (usually known by the last part of his name, Danchenko*, 1859-1943), a successful playwright whose works are done at the Moscow Maly Theatre*, and who is in charge of the Drama Course of the Moscow Philharmonic Society meets Constantin Stanislavsky* (remember him?). They decide the Russian theatre needs a new approach, a realistic approach, complete with a new kind of actor training. They immediately translate their ideas into practice. They have both been impressed by the Russian tour of the Meininger Company* and by Tommaso Salvini*'s acting. They plan a theatrical training school and a theatre where they can put these marvelous realistic theatrical methods on the stage with realistic Russian plays. There are two things they have to do. First get the school and a company, and second, find some good Russian plays. The first is easy: they pick the best of Stanislavsky*'s company (who have been working with him between 1888 and now) and the best of Danchenko*'s students (from his Philharmonic Dramatic School). They all go off to a country estate and rehearse day and night. The second thing they need is a good Russian play. For that they turn to a prominent author.

Alexei Tolstoy* (1817-75) is a diplomat and author of a historical, romantic, nationalist trilogy with semi-oriental imagery which idealizes feudal Russia. It is written between 1861 Alexei Tolstoy* (1817-75) is a diplomat and author of a historical, romantic, nationalist trilogy with semi-oriental imagery which idealizes feudal Russia. It is written between 1861

Anton Chekov* had written to Danchenko* after his flop, saying "Never again will I write plays or try to produce them...". But Danchenko* really likes The Sea Gull* and talks Stanislavsky* into producing it and Chekov* into letting them try it again. Opening night (December 29, 1898) is a terrific event and, finally, Chekov* has his first, full-length success and the Moscow Art Theatre* has a realistic style and a Russian realistic author. Both of these will gain them a world-wide reputation. Chekov* will go on to write a few more plays for this company. Stanislavsky* will go on to establish an actor training system that will influence the whole theatrical world. Chekov* writes about the waste and decline of members of the old Russian middle class society who are clinging to a decaying society in opposition to the youthful energy and talent of what he regards as the future leaders of the country. Chekov* claims to be writing comedies because he finds the old society amusing and even ridiculous, in their inability to see the social changes around them. It may be that his point of view is shaped by the fact that his father was a serf. Stanislavsky*, on the other hand, finds the old society sad, perhaps because he is a member of it.

1897 In Africa, Germany turns that protectorate of Togoland into a German colony of Togo with its capital in the town of Togo.

The U.S. brings in William McKinley* (1843-1901) as the 25th President. He's the one who gets ahead by the support of "Boss" Hanna* (the Ohio political boss). He's big on protective tariffs and the gold standard. He'll preside over the highest tariff rate in our history, annex Hawaii and push the open door (this means we insist we can get in to trade) policy in China.

This year is memorable for the Klondike Gold Rush* (immortalized by Charlie Chaplin's 1924 film, Gold Rush*) in Canada (and on into Alaska) which will draw twenty-five thousand into the frigid snow over the next two years. One of the by products of the gold rush up north is that Seattle (Washington) becomes a boom town. It is also the center of radical labor activity.

Meanwhile, there is another gold boom in Leadville* (Colorado).