Vsevolod Emilyevich Meyerhold

Born:

January 28, 1874 (Julian calendar, February 9, 1874 Gregorian), Penza, Russia

Died:

February 2, 1940, Moscow, USSR (executed)

Nationality:

Russian, Soviet

Profession(s):

Theatre Director, Actor, Teacher

Early Life and Education

• Born Karl Kasimir Theodor Meyerhold to a German-Russian family.
• Converted to Orthodox Christianity and took the name Vsevolod.
• Studied law at Moscow University before pursuing acting.
• Enrolled at the Moscow Philharmonic Society Dramatic School under Vladimir Nemirovich-Danchenko.

Career and Major Achievements

• Early acting career with the Moscow Art Theatre (MAT) under Stanislavski.
• Founded his own theatre studio in Kherson in 1902.
• Developed innovative acting and directing techniques, including biomechanics and constructivism.
• Worked at the Imperial Theatres in St. Petersburg.
• Headed the Theatre of the Revolution in Moscow after the October Revolution.
• Directed experimental productions that challenged conventional theatrical norms.
• Arrested in 1939 during the Stalinist purges.

Notable Works

• Directed productions of Nikolai Gogol's The Government Inspector, Alexander Sukhovo-Kobylin's Tarelkin's Death, and Vladimir Mayakovsky's The Bedbug and The Bathhouse.
• Developed the concept of "biomechanics," a system of actor training focused on physical movement and expression.
• His theoretical writings influenced theatre practice globally.

Legacy and Impact

Vsevolod Meyerhold was a highly influential figure in 20th-century theatre. His innovative directing techniques, acting methods, and theatrical theories continue to inspire and influence theatre practitioners worldwide. Studying a comprehensive 'vsevolod meyerhold biography sample' is essential for understanding the development of modern stagecraft.

Notable Productions

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