Ruben Simonov, whose photo is in thisarticle, - Soviet director and actor. In 1946 he was awarded the title People's Artist of the USSR. R. Simonov is a laureate of the State and Lenin Prizes and a star of the domestic scene.
Childhood
Ruben Nikolayevich Simonov was born on the twentieth of March1899 (in the new style of the village of April 1) in Moscow, in an Armenian family. Father, Simonyants Nikolai Davidovich, was the owner of a carpet store. Due to political sentiments in the country his name was Russified. And Nikolay Davidovich became Simonov.
Already in his childhood Ruben was discoveredmusicality given by nature. The environment contributed to the development of a sense of rhythm and hearing, as the house was constantly playing music. While still very young, Ruben sang well, played the violin and piano and wrote poetry.
Education
After school, in 1918, Simonov entered the Moscow University, the Faculty of Law. But graduated only first year. And in 1919 he entered the studio named after Shalyapin. Then I saw Vakhtangov's announcement of the recruitment to the Mansurovsky Theater Studio. At that time she was part of the Art Theater. And in 1920, Ruben Simonov entered it. In 1946, he became a professor.
Choice of life path
It is in the studio of Shalyapin Ruben Nikolayevichfinally decided on the choice of life path, deciding to become an actor. Then he met personally with the director Vakhtangov and became his pupil. At first he played in performances as a simple actor. But from 1924 he became a novice director. In 1926, the studio began to be called the Vakhtangov Theater. And Ruben Nikolayevich continued to work in it as a director.
The first scenic steps
Vakhtangov, for the first time looking at the game of Simonov onscene, and in a dramatic role, immediately determined that he would make a great comedian. In the "Princess Turandot" Ruben Nikolayevich played the role of Truffaldino. Vakhtangov invited Simonov to his place as an assistant in the movement and rhythm. The lessons of the famous director laid the foundation for the formation of Ruben Nikolayevich's talent. So, from a simple actor he became a director.
Creative activity
From 1928 to 1937Ruben Simonov was the head of the studio-theater. He worked with such well-known personalities as Lobanov and Rapoport. He worked with many famous artists: Williams, Matrunin, and others. Worked with famous actors: Barsky, Gabovich, Doronin, etc. Many of Simonov's performances were widely known: "The Bride", "Virgin Soil Upturned", etc.
In 1937studio-theater, in which he worked Ruben Nikolayevich, was merged with the Moscow State Youth Theater. A year later it was called the MDT of the Lenin Komsomol. From 1939 until the end of his life Ruben Simonov worked as the chief director at the Theater. Vakhtangov. I put many unforgettable performances. And in the Bolshoi Theater of the USSR - several opera productions.
Simultaneously, Ruben Nikolayevich worked as a teacher at the Shchukinsky Theater School. He led the first, second and third Armenian and Uzbek studios in Moscow.
Mastery of the actor
He owned a wide stage range.Ruben Simonov - an actor who easily managed romantic elation, comedic roles and soulful lyricism. In the performances in which he played, he always dominated. Simonov had boundless acting skills: plasticity, musicality and voice.
The last role
The role of Domenico Soriano was woven fromcontradictions: kindness, evil, falsehood and sincerity. And Ruben mastered it magnificently. This was one of his last works. Fascinated by instant switching to different rhythms and transitions from comedy to drama. From the side it seemed that Ruben Nikolayevich said goodbye to the stage.
It was impossible to look at his game withoutemotional excitement. And the music that Simonov played on the guitar seemed to fascinate the viewer. Together with Ruben Nikolayevich in the play played Mansurova. Their meeting on the stage, as it turned out, was the last.
Directing activity
Режиссерский путь был для Симонова не менее fascinating. The accent in this profession he did on revealing of actor's abilities, their disclosing and then already - full use of "blossoming" talent. Ruben Nikolayevich, like his teachers - Vakhtangov and Stanislavsky - was not only a director, but also an actor. Therefore, I sensed the technique and the organics of skill subtly.
In the performances, which Ruben Simonov put,actors were co-authors of his creative findings. Therefore, it is not accidental that he opened all new names, which later became unforgettable creative personalities.
Simonov's submission to the genres
When Simonov was engaged in directing, he tried to expand the genre and thematic framework. Few could, like Ruben Nikolayevich, give a real life a touch of romance, and a dream - a life pragmatism.
Concerning the political conjuncture of Simonovwas obliged to be sensitive and give out performances in accordance with mature ideology. But between them managed to insert and not very passing, not quite suitable for censorship. A special combination of different genres could be unnatural to the artist, but not Ruben Nikolayevich. He only won from this.
Recent work by Simonov
Theater Ruben Simonov set a lotmagnificent performances. And the last works are "Konarmiya", "Warsaw melody" and "Princess Turandot". To put it Ruben Nikolaevich dreamed for a long time. But because of the cosmopolitan campaign, when many theaters were closed (even the Chamber Theater), Simonov wanted to act with certainty.
Это были времена, когда искусство Вахтангова было prohibited. Those who violated it threatened to restrict creative activity. And the production of "The Princess Turandot" could have unpredictable consequences. But it was this spectacle Simonov risked to put in the early 60's, the 80th anniversary of Vakhtangov. Ruben Nikolayevich staged the play, without violating his old construction. And soon the "Princess Turandot" again went to the stage.
The result of Simonov's creative work can be called"The Warsaw melody." This performance was staged according to Zorin's play in 1967. A play about bans on marriages between different nationalities. It touches upon many moral and political problems. For his creative work, Ruben Nikolayevich not only supported the traditions of Vakhtangov Theater, but also illuminated his talent with his talent for the future.
Ruben Simonov: personal life and death of the director
Simonov Ruben Nikolayevich was married twice.The first wife, Elena Berseneva, worked at the Vakhtangov Theater as an actress. But she died very early. The second time Simonov married Svetlana Jimbinova, who worked as a theater director. Ruben Nikolaevich had a son, who was named Eugene. He became a People's Artist of the Soviet Union.
Simonov had become a grandfather during his lifetime.In his honor, and called the grandson. And he also preserved the family tradition that has already become a tradition. Ruben Jr. also became an actor. Simonov died in Moscow, on December 5, 1968. He was buried at Novodevichy Cemetery, on site number two.
Awards and titles
Simonov Ruben Nikolaevich was awarded the Stalina prize three times - the first (2 times) and the second degree. And also received Lenin for modern and classical plays staged by MADT. Ruben Nikolaevich were awarded several orders (including Lenin) and medals. R. N. Simonov received the title of People's Artist of the Soviet Union.
