In the Theatre Museum of St. Petersburg, on Ostrovsky Square, an exhibition called The Case of Meyerhold, or 'You Always Want The Government Inspector', has opened.
It's difficult to talk about exhibitions of this kind because they imply a certain meta-level of spectator engagement. But since I really want to recommend this project, I will have to share my own opinion.
So, the exhibition occupies three small halls, and the largest wall is given over to a projection that subtly hints at the underlying idea. This video sequence consists of fragments of the painting 'The Last Day of Pompeii' transforming into one another and looking so similar, the silent final scene of 'The Government Inspector', and photographs of the ruins of Meyerhold's theatre, which was never completed.
It is known that Gogol was delighted and struck by Bryullov's creation. Some researchers even believe that he was inspired by it to write 'The Government Inspector.' And Gogol's play, in turn, played a huge role in the work of Vsevolod Emilievich.
The exhibits in each hall address the viewer in a special, emotionally charged way. The first hall is Meyerhold's theatre itself in terms of structure. There are quotes from the director, architectural drawings, and, most importantly, sketches of the mosaics that were meant to decorate the theatre's façades. Selected mosaic portraits were created from the sketches; in the expressions on their faces one can unmistakably discern antique mascarons.
In the second hall you see the director's whole life, metropolitan St. Petersburg in his fate, the influence of the authorities, and echoes with the destinies of the characters from 'The Government Inspector.' There are many photographs, quotations, paintings, and spots of light. Each block of information is numbered; the exhibition's organizers clearly and unambiguously guide us along a path which, once followed, will allow everyone to see something of their own and draw personal conclusions.
The third hall is the finale: Tatlin's Tower and two portraits of Meyerhold looking at each other from different eras.
Of everything produced in the past year in honor of the director's 150th anniversary, this is the most expressive and thoughtful project.
