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Select audiences have had the opportunity over the last week to view the newest production by Anatoly Vasilyev at the School of Dramatic Art. Titled "The Lament of Jeremiah," it is a minimally theatricalized choral version of the Biblical book of "Lamentations." The pulsing, liturgical music, which breaks down into five movements corresponding to the book's five chapters, was written by Vladimir Martynov and is performed by the Sirin choral ensemble. In many ways, this openly religious production is Vasilyev's most effective in the last few years. It is the first time in that period that he has found a text, an approach and a set of performers that are mutually suitable. The production is visually striking, with brilliant white side-lighting, two enormous monastery-like walls tilting over the stage, and approximately 18 white doves that fly freely about the space during the second half of the performance. The acoustics in the school's stage on Povarskaya Ulitsa are excellent.





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Sergei Zhenovach's production of Ibsen's "The Wild Duck" in Bergen, Norway, has been drawing rave reviews and full houses. The production at Norway's oldest theater, Den Nationale Scene, was originally scheduled to play in January and February, but an effort now is on to extend the run into March. Critics have been impressed by the director's ability to highlight the comic moments in this black satire.





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Some tickets are still available for the two performances of "Macbeth" by St. Petersburg's Bolshoi Drama Theater on Feb. 22 and 23 at the Mossoviet Theater. Directed by Temur Chkheidze and starring Gennady Bogachyov as Macbeth, this show was one of last season's top attention-grabbers in Petersburg. Alisa Freindlikh was named the city's best actress of the year for her turn as Lady Macbeth. For more information, call the Theater of Nations at 229-7777 or 5672.


-- John Freedman