Mikhail Semyonovich Shchepkin

Mikhail Semyonovich Shchepkin – an actor, the founder of Russian stage realism. Born into the family of a serf steward. After receiving an education at the Sudzha public school, Shchepkin made his stage debut in his youth, playing a role in a comedy by Sumarokov.

In 1805 Shchepkin appeared on the professional stage for the first time, replacing an ill actor. With his master's permission he began performing at the theatre of the Barsov brothers. Later he performed with the troupes of Stein and Kalinovsky in Kharkov and Poltava. In 1822 Shchepkin gained his freedom and was accepted into the company of the Moscow Maly Theatre, where he served for the remainder of his life. He played numerous roles in comedies and tragedies, creating vivid characters in the plays of Griboyedov, Gogol, Pushkin and other classics.

Shchepkin was not only a brilliant actor but also a gifted teacher and theatre theorist. His realistic style had a profound influence on the development of Russian theatre and formed the basis of Stanislavski's system. Mikhail Semyonovich Shchepkin died on August 11, 1863 in Yalta and was buried in Moscow.