The museum-reserve "Aleksandrovskaya Sloboda" holds programs and posters of performances that were staged with the help of amateur (local) and invited artists. That was long ago, but today gives reason to return to the topic, because professionals, amateurs and numerous fans celebrate World Theatre Day on March 27. And since the town has its own drama theatre, when referring to the genre's history it is logical to recall our first one, which appeared on Aleksandrov land in the village of Strunino.
Many generations of local residents have preserved the memory of the wide-ranging philanthropy and patronage of the successful industrialist brothers Baranov. Through their efforts and means, a theatre (!) was built in Strunino at the beginning of the 20th century and numerous performances were staged. They generally did an incredible job of "cultivating" and literally transforming life in Aleksandrovsky uyezd and had a huge influence on the development of the entire Vladimir Governorate.
The collections curator of the museum-reserve "Aleksandrovskaya Sloboda", Elena Zhestkova, says: "The programs of theatrical productions testify to the rich repertoire of a creative cultural center for its time in the small village of Strunino and indicate a very serious approach to the subject; for example: plays by Ostrovsky included 'Not Every Day Is a Holiday for the Cat' (1902), 'Don't Live as You Wish' (1899). The programs stated that for some performances were invited 'actors of Russian dramatic art under the direction of an actor from Moscow's private theatres.'"
Ticket prices were announced simply and succinctly: "ordinary seat prices" or "admission to performances free." In large type there was text informing spectators that all performances were held "with the permission of the authorities" or "with the permission of the ispravnik of Aleksandrov Uyezd." Local enthusiasts could watch theatrical productions and operas on two stages (!) — in the premises of the girls' and boys' gymnasiums on Moskovskaya Street (now Lenina and Sovetskaya streets) and in the hall of the city Public Assembly.
"Very attractive are the theatrical programs with 'catchy' play titles: 'The Victim of Egoism', 'A Kite in Someone Else's Nest', 'Escape from the Thieves' Den', 'Passion Stronger than Reason', and others. Moreover, in the last three posters the audience was given an instructive piece of advice: 'Do not chase shameful happiness if you can live your life with honor.' (A detailed account of the productions' content at that time was mandatory). An indispensable and, as a rule, final part of the theatrical evening were 'grand dance evenings to the music of a military orchestra,' or simply an ordinary ball," continued Elena Zhilkina, the chief curator of the museum-reserve "Aleksandrovskaya Sloboda."
By the way, there were no problems with music either, because the inspirer and organizer of the theatre, choir and orchestra at Asaf Baranov's factory was one man — Vladimir Vasilievich Zubov, a talented teacher, musician and descendant of a merchant family. So the theatrical and cultural life in Aleksandrov Uyezd, as they say, was in full swing, and considering the incredible scale of the Baranovs' activities, the everyday life of workers and employees was also quite decent (this is confirmed by the film and photo-document archive).
