Premiere of the Play “Dostoevsky – My Life” at the National Theatre in Belgrade

The duodrama “Dostoevsky – My Life”, inspired by the “Memoirs” by Anna Grigoryevna Dostoevskaya, will premiere on April 14th at 8:30 PM on the “Raša Plaović” Stage of the National Theatre in Belgrade.

The dramatisation is co-authored by Fedor Šili and Hadži Nenad Maričić, who also directs the play and portrays the title role of Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky. The role of Anna Grigoryevna is played by Ivana Popović, with Stefan Ćirić appearing as the pianist.

The creative team behind this theatrical piece, which brings to life the story of the extraordinary genius and one of the greatest Russian and world writers, includes dramaturg Fedor Šili, set designer Vladislava Munić Cunnington, costume designer Marina Medenica, music collaborator Stefan Ćirić, Mila Dragićević (stage movement), and Balša Đogo and Tara Vulović (video work).

“The play tells us how one woman’s devotion, sacrifice, and selflessness in love gave the world an immeasurable literary legacy. Had Fyodor and Anna never met, the author of “Crime and Punishment” might never have reached the creative moments that produced “Demons” or “The Brothers Karamazov”. Anna Grigoryevna’s story is deeply moving and beautifully written. Her memoirs leave no one indifferent. It was only the art of theatre that can embody the character of such a writer whose birth we either celebrated or forgot across the world four years ago. It was precisely because of this that the task was so challenging - to bring such an idea to life, to resurrect him, and to make him somewhat different from what prejudices and legends have created,” Hadži Nenad Maričić says. 

Fedor Šili reveals that the storyline focuses primarily on the relationship between Fyodor and Anna.

“With a three-act structure, we wanted each act to depict a stage of their life together. The first act focuses on their encounter and falling in love; the second on their life in Europe and the struggles they faced - jealousy, gambling addiction, personal tragedies...; and the third act on their return to Russia, all the way to Dostoevsky’s death. I hope the play helps us see Dostoevsky as a person, with all his strengths and his flaws - not in a sensationalist way. No one is perfect - we all have our faults. I also hope this production will encourage people to learn more about Anna Grigoryevna and perhaps read the memoirs that inspired this play. Above all, I hope we have created a good play that speaks about love as the most powerful force that drives a human being.”

The next performance is scheduled for April 27.