25 Mar 2005

Moscow Celebrates the Golden Mask Festival

In all the years of its existence, the Golden Mask Festival has been nothing if not a study in contrasts—no other Russian festival embraces as fully the multiplicity of the performing arts. Once a year, for just over two weeks in the spring, the best Russian opera singers, ballet dancers, dramatic actors, directors, conductors, puppeteers and other sundry performing artists gather to show their stuff and compete for the coveted Golden Mask award.


Scene from The Mariinsky's production of The Nose (nominated for best opera production)

Going Behind the Mask

Once again, Moscow's yearly drama extravaganza features the best drama from all over Russia.

By John Freedman [Moscow Times, 25 Mar 05]

In all the years of its existence, the Golden Mask Festival has been nothing if not a study in contrasts -- no other Russian festival embraces as fully the multiplicity of the performing arts. Once a year, for just over two weeks in the spring, the best Russian opera singers, ballet dancers, dramatic actors, directors, conductors, puppeteers and other sundry performing artists gather to show their stuff and compete for the coveted Golden Mask award.

This time, having reached its 11th year, the festival has gone to great lengths to reach the outer limits of large and small.

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