The Stanislavsky Theatre, located in XIX century historical building just 750 metres (9-minute walk) from the Bolshoi, offers audiences the unique opportunity to enjoy world-class opera in an intimate and elegant setting. Adding to the brilliance of this production are singers and musicians who have appeared on the stage of the Bolshoi Theatre and trained in the same world-renowned academies as Bolshoi artists. They bring with them the same tradition of excellence, artistry, and emotional truth, ensuring that this Eugene Onegin resonates with timeless beauty while speaking directly to the modern soul. Opera at the Stanislavsky Theatre is the great and affordable alternative to the Bolshoi.
Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin holds a special place in the history of the Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Music Theatre. It was with this very opera, staged by the great theatrical reformer Konstantin Stanislavsky, that the theatre’s journey truly began. Stanislavsky’s landmark production of Eugene Onegin marked the birth of a new kind of opera theatre — one where truth, depth, and psychological precision reigned on stage.
The current production of Eugene Onegin entered the theatre’s repertoire in the very first season after its grand reconstruction. Its creators approached Stanislavsky’s legendary staging with profound respect, yet without imitation. The psychological richness of the characters remains meticulously developed, and the iconic columns still form the central element of the set design. And yet, the atmosphere is different: these are characters who breathe the air of today, reflecting the pulse and sensitivity of the 21st century audience.
Scene One. In the Village
The landowner Larina, her daughters Tatyana and Olga, and their nurse are enjoying a fine evening. Olga’s fiancé, Vladimir Lensky, who lives nearby, comes to visit them. He introduces his hosts to his friend, Eugene Onegin. The arrival of the metropolitan dandy disrupts the quiet life of the country estate.
Scene Two. The Letter
Tatyana is unable to control the surge of her feelings. Left alone, she writes a love letter to Onegin.
Scene Three. The Explanation
In a secluded corner of the estate, Tatyana meets Eugene. “Learn to govern yourself!”—she hears his cold rebuke in response to her confession.
Scene Four. Tatyana’s Name Day
The guests discuss Onegin as a possible suitor for Tatyana. Annoyed by the gossip, Onegin begins to court Olga. The celebration ends with a quarrel between Onegin and Lensky and a challenge to a duel.
Scene Five. The Duel
Lensky and his second, Zaretsky, wait for their opponent. When Onegin arrives, both he and Lensky are ready for reconciliation. But the laws of honor make the duel inevitable. Lensky is killed.
Scene Six. The Ball in St. Petersburg
Having returned from long travels, Onegin meets Tatyana at a ball. The former country girl has become a noble beauty, the wife of General Gremin. The General tells Onegin how happy he is. Onegin realizes whom he has lost.
Scene Seven. The Meeting
The final meeting of Tatyana and Eugene. Tatyana confesses that she still loves Onegin. But the past cannot be undone: “I am given to another and shall be faithful to him forever.”