Over 30 actors to present Brest Fortress play on 22 June

The play was first staged in Brest in 1953. It remained in the repertoire for more than 30 years and was performed over 950 times. Audiences saw it not only in Belarus but also abroad. “For our theatre, this is a very significant production, a source of pride. We decided to bring it back to the stage,” Anna Senkovets emphasized. “We consulted with the staff of the Brest Hero-Fortress Memorial Complex. When they read the 1953 version of the play, they pointed out some inconsistencies. At the time of the original premiere, the history of the Brest Fortress had not yet been studied in such detail. We didn’t want to rely on assumptions. We aim to stay true to the historical narrative.”

The script was revised based on expert clarifications. In total, preparations took about a year and a half. The premiere will take place outdoors at night on 22 June. Audiences will see Brest Fortress on the grounds of the legendary citadel above the Bug River. The stage will be set in front of the Courage monument. The performance will last an hour and a half, and large screens will be installed for viewer convenience.

“It will be powerful and emotional. The actors will relive on stage the events our ancestors experienced. They survived, defended their land, and showed bravery and courage. The uniqueness of the production is that we show not only military action but also love and friendship. We focused on portraying human emotions and relationships during wartime,” the director general explained. More than 30 actors of different ages are involved. They will perform accompanied by the Brest Academic Drama Theatre symphony orchestra.

After the premiere, Brest Fortress will be performed on the stage of the Brest Academic Drama Theatre. Touring performances are also planned. “Those will be special events, because the set is large-scale. It takes at least five hours to assemble,” Anna Senkovets summed up.