20 February 1729 year
В Kostroma was born Fyodor Volkov — one of the founders of professional theatre in Russia.
If in tragedy a man is cleansed of the filth of despotism through suffering, then why shouldn't he at least become wiser through laughter at himself and cleanse himself of the filth of stupidity!
("Fedor Volkov", K. Evgrafov)
He lost his father early and was raised by his stepfather, a prominent Yaroslavl merchant. He loved watching folk plays and performances by Russian "hunters" (amateurs known as "eager comedians").
At 14 he was sent to Moscow to study with German industrialists. He also became fascinated with theatrical performances by students at the Slavic-Greek-Latin Academy.
At 17, having arrived on business in Petersburg, visited the Empress's court theater Elizabeth Petrovna — He made an indelible impression on the young Volkov. For the next two years, he studied art and stage management.
At 19, after the death of his stepfather, he received control of the factories, but transferred his powers to his brother.
Gathering a crowd of theater lovers, he gave his first performance—the biblical drama "Esther" and the pastoral "Eumone and Bertha" (about the love of a shepherd and shepherdess). They were performed in a large barn that belonged to his stepfather.
Not all residents appreciated the new entertainment: a robbery occurred during the performance. But just a year later, in 1751, Volkov's troupe Yaroslavl He had his own wooden theater—the first public theater in Russia. His brothers, minor "clerks" and "churchmen," a barber, and tradesmen also performed there.
The first production in it (and the first tragedy in Russian literature) was "Khorev" Alexandra Sumarokova (Russian variation of "Romeo and Juliet" against the backdrop of feudal strife).
Soon the “Yaroslavl comedies” became known at the Empress’s court; in 1752, she summoned Volkov to St. Petersburg.
Yaroslavl merchants Fyodor Grigoriev, son of Volkov, with his brothers Gavrilo and Grigory, who run a theater in Yaroslavl and perform comedies, and whoever else they may need for that purpose, are to be brought to St. Petersburg. To expedite their arrival here, they are to be provided with coaches and a travel allowance from the treasury.
After a successful performance before the Empress, the actors, along with Volkov, were sent to the Land Noble Corps, where they were taught dance, science, languages, and literature—this gave them the status of professional actors.
In 1756, the Empress ordered the organization of the first public theater in St. Petersburg (now Alexandrinsky). And 27-year-old Volkov took charge of the troupe (Sumarokov became director). The troupe consisted of only 12 people. At first, they had to perform without actresses—the female roles were given to young actors.
This theater laid the foundation for the creation of the Imperial Theaters, and Volkov became the first Russian professional actor and director. One of his most memorable roles was that of the Kievan Prince Askold in Sumarokov's tragedy "Semira."
He also created stage sets, played many instruments and composed music for performances.
He wrote about 15 plays (not preserved), composed odes and songs.
The rider is praised: a fine fellow!
Others praise: what a good stallion!
Come on, don't argue: both the horse and the boy,
Both are handsome, but both are bastards.
One of the biggest gaps in his biography is his participation in the coup and accession to the throne. Catherine II. According to one version, Volkov was one of those who guarded the deposed emperor. Peter III and could have been involved in his death (allegedly Peter refused to allow him to stage operas at the Oranienbaum theatre).
One way or another, Volkov subsequently entered Catherine II’s office without announcing himself.
In 1763, to celebrate the Empress's coronation, he staged a multi-day masquerade in Moscow, "Minerva Triumphant," which would become Volkov's final creation. The city was transformed into a vast stage, with some five thousand actors participating. Volkov personally helped sew the masquerade masks and costumes.
Nothing judges the affairs of all so well,
How bad deeds are laughed at, but honesty is praised
During the masquerade, the director caught a cold and lay unconscious for several days. While he was recovering, he suddenly developed appendicitis, and the 34-year-old Volkov died, never having had the chance to assume his ennobled status.
