The Passion and Drama of Georgian Theater

The Georgian connection in Russian culture is long, strong and well documented. And the current Moscow tour of Tbilisi's renowned Rustaveli Theater provides a great opportunity to see why.Led by Robert Sturua, a short, plump man with a droopy moustache, a kind face, and a bottomless well of talent, the Rustaveli has gained worldwide recognition for its powerful and highly disciplined productions.Sturua has continued the traditions of a playhouse that was founded in 1921 by Kote Mardzhanishvili -- an apprentice of the great Russian director Konstantin Stanislavsky -- and which subsequently exerted enormous influence on Russian theater.Sturua is offering two of his own brilliant productions of Bertolt Brecht classics, "The Caucasian Chalk Circle" and "The Good Woman of Setzuan." New talents are directing "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens, and "Irene's Happiness" by David Kldiashvili, the classic, early 20th-century Georgian writer.All except "Chalk Circle" are new productions, and all bear the imprint of the tragic civil war in Georgia, coloring the already passionate performances with even greater intensity."The Good Woman of Setzuan" is a whirling, soaring, thundering parable of good and evil, and how the two are inextricably intertwined. Sturua's eclectic, pulsing use of music, movement and lighting creates a breathtaking spectacle.The young and sensuous Nino Kasradze is startling and unforgettable as Shen Te, the goodwilled prostitute who selflessly cares for her whole village, but must take on the persona of her heartless male cousin Shui Ta to avoid being driven out of her own home.While "The Caucasian Chalk Circle" premiered nearly 20 years ago, this sweeping, incisive and humorous account of war, honor and love, still performs with fresh vigor.It depicts the cruel trials of a courageous peasant woman who saves and raises an abandoned baby, but nearly loses him when its mother reappears.Brecht wrote his epic tale in 1945, setting it in ancient Georgia. It now plays like an evening news report. That is not always a good thing for theater, although it is exhilarating when handled with the expansiveness and agility of the Rustaveli actors.One performance stands out even in this strong cast.Ramaz Chkhikvadze -- whose interpretation of King Lear during the Rustaveli's Moscow tour of 1987 is still talked about -- is stunning as the judge who settles the dispute over the child. He is a clown on the loose, a madman looking for a wall to hit. What he hits is the pinnacle of comic acting."Irene's Happiness," directed by Andro Yenukidze, differs from "Chalk Circle" in every way except its crackling intensity.This intimate story set in a 19th-century Georgian village subtly transforms the theme of sexual obsession into an unblinking exploration of the Georgian national character.Seized by an uncontrollable desire to possess the beautiful Irene, the handsome, dashing Abesalo takes her that night and makes her his wife. But, as is obvious from the very start, Abesalo's passion is not love, but violence and destruction.Zaza Papuashvili brilliantly portrays Abesalo, finding in his rage a spirituality that won't let us simply reject him. No less impressive are Nino Kasradze as the graceful, defiled Irene, and Murman Dzhinoriya, as Viktor, the friend and relative who either can't or won't interfere in the grim flow of events.With the spectators seated on the stage, peering into the empty theater hall, there is no mistaking that they, too, are a part of this compelling allegory.See this great theater while you can. You won't regret it.The Rustaveli Theater performs at the Vakhtangov Theater, 26 Arbat. "A Christmas Carol" (June 10, 13 and 18 at 6 P.M., also June 18 at 11 A.M.), "Irene's Happiness" (June 12 at 11 A.M. and 6 P.M.), "The Good Woman of Setzuan" (June 15, 16, 23 and 24, 6 P.M.), and "The Caucasian Chalk Circle" (June 20 and 21, 6 P.M.) Tel. 241-0728. Tickets available at the door.