SOME EPISODES FROM THE HISTORY OF TSKHINVALIS’S GEORGIAN THEATRE IN THE NARRATIVE OF ACTIVE CRITICS IN REGION (THE FIRST HALF OF XX CENTURY)
Abstract
In the second half of the nineteenth century, the two outstanding flagships of the Georgian printed word "Droeba" and "Iveria" periodically reminded the interested public of the name of Zaal Machabli. It should be noted that from each line dedicated to him, respect and love for the talent and stage skills of the Samachablo theatre and character emerge.
As early as 1878, “Droeba” wrote: "On September 3, in Avaliani's house, Georgian amateur actors were presented with the domestically performed "Churlish" by Giorgi Eristavi. Many people attended and the performance went smoothly.
Karapeta, Chief Abramov performed his role with rigor; In some places, he played the role of a stupid man beautifully, but in some places he couldn't do it, because instead of a miser Carapetta, he resembled a rich and generous baker.
Archil, Chief Chubinov could not present the role of a young man in love, but it seemed that he had a talent for the stage; He proved it more in the second role, when came out as Akhunda: people laughed and applauded him.
Khampera, of El. Avaliani performed her role beautifully. She had the bow and quiet demeanor of a princely woman, but the intonation of her voice and the accent were more like an Armenian woman, and thus she gave a better impression to the role of Khampera.
The maid, M. Tershmovanova. was a real Georgian educator. She played the role honestly and diligently; This young woman showed good stage talent and the audience did not leave her without applause.
As for Ivanika, it seemed that Zaal Machabeli was an experienced actor and presented a real stripped-down Imeretian boy before our eyes” (newspaper “Droeba”, 1878, #180, p. 2).
"Iveria" repeatedly pointed to the successful play with the participation of Zaal Machabeli.
"The village Sagholasheni wrote to us that during the performance held on May 1, a total of 36 manati came in, which has already been donated to the "Literacy Spreading Society”. A vaudeville was presented that evening "Baikushi" by Mr. Av. Tsagareli and there were live pictures. The following took part in the performance: Duchess S. Tsereteli, E. Tsereteli, Zaal Machabeli, Levan Tsitsishvili and Abel and Kote Kalatozishvili. Both the performance and the live pictures were created by Tengiz Sardion Amirejibi in his own home. Quite a number of people from nearby villages attended the performance. There were also peasants. The public greatly enjoyed the performance (newspaper„Iveria“, 1888, #111, p. 2).
Keywords: Georgia; Samachablo; Tskhinvali, Georgian Theatre; Cultural life; Zaal Machabeli; Davit Kasradze; Vakhtang Kasradze; Ia Ekaladze.
