YERMOLOV MARIA NIKOLAEVNA

Russian dramatic actress. Since 1871 - at the Maly Theater. Roles: Laurencia (sheep source "), John of Arc (" a virgin of Orleans "), Sappho (Sappho), Negina (" Talents and Admirers ") Kruchinina (" Without a guilty plea ") etc.

Maria Nikolaevna was born Yermolov 3 (15) July 1853 in Moscow. Her father, Nikolai Alekseevich, served as prompter in the Small Theater. This was a talented man, he drew and wrote prose and poetry. His mother, Alexandra I. , devoted life to her husband and children, reading Masha plays, beginning with Field and Kotsebu to Shakespeare.

The family lived poorly. NA Yermolov of his fervent love of children (he had four daughters), but differed steep temper. He loved theater, and when returning home, the whole was full of impressions of the game "Grand Schepkin, great Sadowski. Is it any wonder that his daughter four years have dreamed about theater and live confidently, that it would be a great actress, still not understanding the meanings of these words.

Masha gave pansionerkoy in the Moscow theater ballet school in the office. But in case her school were not important. It was only a teacher of French, Saint-Amand, praises her for her recital, and noted that she had "a lot of soul. " Yermolov appeared on the scene in dumb roles pazhey and cupids. However, these outputs are the young actress soon ended. Head of course, the famous IV Samarin, saw her at the scene, said: "Remove, you can not pazha" and Masha on the scene did not appear to benefit his father.

But Yermolov was not able to determine the nature of talent daughter. He instructed her role Fanshetty in vaudeville "Groom like hot cakes" ( "Ten bride and groom or one"). This role is not suited for thirteen-mache, and, of course, it failed. Samarin graciously said: "Let plyashet themselves near the water" (ie in the background, which usually put the most able dancers).

Failure is not broken her spirit. Subsequently, as the already famous actress, she recalls: "Even so, any adversity and nezadachi in me always, do not know - why, lived unwavering confidence that I′ll be an actress, and not some, but the first actress and the smaller stage. Never, not one person I have not expressed this confidence, but it never left me. "

Debut Yermolova at the Maly Theater on 30 January 1870. Home theater actress, NM Medvedev has decided to put in a benefit play Lessing "Emilia Galotti. " On the role of Emilia, was appointed a young actress GN Pozdnyakova (Fedotova). But she suddenly fell ill. Medvedev was the search for her replacement. Ballet school pupil Semyonova recommended for this role МаÑ?еньку Yermolov, which "has played incredibly. " A few days later took place "smotriny. After the first monologue Medvedev excitedly exclaimed: "You will play Emilia!"

"As soon appear on the scene in the role of Emilia, Yermolov captured the audience with sincerity feelings, emotions freshness, ease of transfer, an unprecedented force of the tragic rise" - wrote the researcher her creativity SN Durylin. And when the story of Emilia was finished, the auditorium, in which all this time, dead silence reigned, awarded debutant thunder of applause.

Mary has recorded in his diary: "This day entered in the history of my life as large letters, as some of these figures which I have now written.

Photo — «Yermolov Maria Nikolaevna»

I am happy . . . No, I am a happy man in the world. "

In May of 1871 after the theater school Yermolov was credited in the Maly Theater troupe. Two of the season, she played in her repertoire alien - in vaudeville and melodrama. The material, however, it became easier: Maria was admitted to the theater at 600 rubles a year, and the family income increased by half.

It lasted until 1873, when Yermolova instructed to play the role of Catherine in "Thunderstorm" Ostrovsky, instead of temporarily absent prima GN Fedotova.

Katerina Yermolova was a real "beacon of light in a dark realm. " With great dramatic power, she played a final "Thunderstorms". Now no one doubt that the Little Theater was tragedienne, which shoulder the most difficult role of the world′s repertoire.

For its first benefit (7 Mar. , 1876) Yermolov chose a play Lope de Vega, "a source of sheep", the role of a young Laurencio. It was after the premiere of "sheep′s source" has the reputation of an artist Rajka and gallery, youth and students. "You were our sunshine, and our coverage of youth, Marya Nikolaevna!" - exclaimed the well-known journalist and theater critic, VM Doroshevicha. Tribune freedom, truth, soul called Yermolov, this silent in the lives of women. After the show "sheep source" Lope de Vega youth harness in theatrical carriage, and so brought Yermolov home.

The second benefit to Maria Nikolaevna decided to put the "Virgin of Orleans", which caused surprise as the guide, and at the stage, finding that the performance is doomed to failure. On the production was not cost a penny. In the secondary roles were occupied by random actors. Sets, props, costumes - all of the clips. "

Performance held on 29 January 1884. Yermolova success in the role of Joanna of Arc was so, which knows little history of Russian theater. The daughter of actress MN Zelenina describes the performance of the culmination of the play, when John learns of the fall of the King: "All the substance of it turned into a passionate impulse of the pleading, desire to save the native people. It has some very special voice, making his famous last monologue in chains. It almost did not elevate to vote and not to cry, her voice only once grew in volume and increase in the force, which at that moment it belonged . . . Yermolov stretched to the sky hands bound with chains, metal on a small area of stone stairs, the last four lines of making such a force that seemed to crumble around the arches and walls of the incredible explosion of faith and inspiration . . . "

After the premiere auditorium long hands actress; not smolkali shouting "bravo"; rain rain laurel wreaths, flowers, gathered honored as a great actress.

Curiously, Maria Nikolaevna, an exceptional man of modesty, acknowledged the role of Joanna as his sole credit to the Russian theater. Of course, this is not the case. Many roles Yermolova on the right came into the treasury of Russian theater. But certainly, that John was one of the most perfect creations in the repertory actress.

Performance "virgin of Orleans" was over 18 years, with constant full house. Nine years after the premiere, he was transferred to the Bolshoi Theater, as well as a small not fit everyone who wants to see it.

In February of 1892 to benefit Yermolova was the play "Sapho" Grilpartsera.

Photo — «Yermolov Maria Nikolaevna»

The Divine Sappho, as well as other "choice of gods" John of Arc, has committed a crime, forgetting their calling, wishing to experience joy and death of people drink from the cup of ordinary love, for that and paid the death. These roles were not without reason so close Yermolova: it is not known happiness in his personal life and unconsciously played itself.

NA Ostrovsky, all the best roles entrusted Glikerii Fedotova, so Yermolova had to go only to the substitution, such as the "Thunderstorm" or "Bespridannitse. But Maria Nikolaevna subdued playwright his talent. She has played roles in plays eighteen Ostrovsky, creating a number of outstanding images: Spring in the Snow ", Larissa in Bespridannitse, Evlaliya in" slave ", Kruchinina in the" no-fault to blame, "Katherine in" Thunderstorm ". Another masterpiece Yermolova was "last victim", which traced the history of merchant widow Tuginoy, simple woman, loving, pure in heart. Yermolov was superb in the role of Neginoy for "Talents and admirers". The audience could not restrain the tears when the actress in the famous scene of reading letters Meluzova making: "The soul is a bit strong, the heart wants to overflowing. "

In early adolescence Yermolov loved "Thunderstorm", and played it perfectly, but over time the role of Catherine has ceased to love her, she was down on the day of the performance said: "Ah . . . again, "Thunderstorm" to play . . . "

Astonishing range of creative actress. With equal success Yermolov played Roman Empress Messalina Averkieva in the play "Death of Messalina" Jew with flaming heart - the tragedy of Judith Gutskova "Uriel Acosta" and a young schoolteacher in a comedy Verochka Lonin Ostrovsky and Solovyova "On the eve of the case. " In Maria Nikolaevna was a "naturally raised talent, gave her the opportunity to move from the mountain peaks of the tragedy to comedy blooming valleys.

Still, Yermolov actress was more heroic and romantic plan. She acted in plays by Shakespeare (Ophelia, Juliet, Katharina, Lady Anna, Desdemona, Gonerilya, Imogena, Lady Macbeth), Schiller (Mary Stuart), Hugo (Maria Tudor) . . . However, the actress objected SN Durylinu, with delight when he called her "daughter Mochalova, his sole heir": "What I am the daughter of Pavel Stepanovich! Oh let me be his stepdaughter, but then surely you need to add: Yermolov - grand-niece of Michael S. Schepkin and lives in the house Schepkin.

Maria Nikolaevna Yermolov - this whole era of Russian theater, and for our generation - a symbol of femininity, beauty, power, pathos, heartfelt simplicity and modesty - wrote KS Stanislavsky. - The data have been exceptional. She had great sensitivity, inspiration temperament, great nervousness, inexhaustible spiritual depth. While not a typical artist, it is over half a century, almost without leaving from Moscow, almost every day lived on the stage and acted on its behalf, has expressed itself. And despite this, in each of MN Yermolov always had a special, spiritual way, not the same as the previous one, not like at all . . .

MN Yermolov worked their numerous and diverse spiritual creation is always the same, specifically ermolovskimi tricks game, with a typical for her mnogozhestiem, great impetuosity, mobility .

Photo — «Yermolov Maria Nikolaevna»

. . with outbreaks of volcanic passions, reaching the extreme limits, with the amazing ability to sincerely weep, suffer, believe on the stage.

External data Maria Nikolayevna were no less remarkable. She was an excellent person with inspired eyes, the addition of Venus, a deep chest, a warm voice, plasticity, harmony, rhythm, even in the methane and gusting winds of infinite charm and scenic, through which most of its shortcomings are treated in dignity. "

Yermolov on stage was sincere, tragically true. Put on a suit Sappho, Mary Stuart and Queen Anne′s, she lived the life of this moment only this woman, seen only her eyes and listened only to her heart . . .

One day at rehearsal Shakespeare′s plays "Richard III" Yermolov - Anna stood at the tomb beloved husband. Tears cover her eyes, it all - the sorrow. Anne with an extraordinary penetration delivers farewell speech, fix your gaze upon the face of the deceased. Actors, officials scene measurements, listen and watch for an amazing game great actress.

During the break Tired Yermolov sits on a chair at the backstage. Suddenly it podbegaet director and, falling on his knees, asks forgiveness. Maria Nikolaevna frightened asked, lifting his knees with: "What is it? What happened? "-" Excuse me, somehow in the coffin came the lion′s skin. " - "I have not seen! - Meet Yermolov.

All the great actors of doubt and uncertainty inherent in their power. About shyness and modesty Yermolova knew all of Moscow. "Invite someone Yermolova play a new role - says Stanislavsky - and Maria Nikolaevna flash, leap from their seats, red, zamechetsya the room, then rushed to saving a cigarette and begins to nervous movements of her cigarette, her breast proiznosya abruptly voice: "What are you the Lord is with you! Yes unless I can Yes I have nothing for that role! Why do I sunus not in his case? There is the young actress, and without me?" What is it you? "

By the end of 1890-ies Yermolov became unbearable to feel fatigue in the Little Theater. Even in summer was the departure of small German towns and resorts lived there in solitude, enjoying nature and quiet.

The disease is a daughter in 1898 led her to survive three summer months in the Crimea. She lives with her daughter and sister of her husband in a place Oleiz. Yermolov passionately fond of the sea, the nature of the southern Crimea, its scenic location . . .

In Crimea Yermolov met MD Leonid V. midst. An educated, understands the art of thin, he was familiar with many outstanding writers, artists, musicians. His friend was AP Chekhov. "Over the past twenty years, I have not met these people . . . " - Yermolov acknowledged in a letter.

Friends of Maria Nikolaevna of middle lasted until his death. In 1908 she wrote to Leonid V. : "I have a dream - to travel to Yalta in spring, to get you on the terrace, and together with you to remember all the good that we have experienced. " This dream could not be implemented . . . The middle was sick and died of tuberculosis when he was only 49 years . . .

In 1907, Yermolov decided to take an extended vacation. Exactly one year later, she again appeared in front of an audience in the play by Ostrovsky "Without a guilty plea. " This was not the spectacle, but a real triumph for the actress.

Photo — «Yermolov Maria Nikolaevna»

Spectators stand welcomed Yermolov. The play has been interrupted applause.

Moscow has sought to "Without a guilty plea, enthusiastically meeting Maria Nikolaevna, and she modestly reported a Fedotova:" I play again, as you know, "Without a guilty plea, very tired, there is no force at all, but meets one that the public is watching with pleasure, and cries, and laughs. "

Yermolov was too overloaded with work. For many years she has played almost every day. Simultaneously with the performances of almost all the time there were rehearsals. Only on Saturday evening relied rest. In his spare time Yermolov preferred to attend symphony concerts. Because she loved of Russian composers Glinka. New blood has been difficult. A Modest Mussorgsky, she saw a "lack of talent," and about "Boris Godunov" wrote: "In my opinion, this fall, if the music is heard country roads and the clatter of horses. " In the opera Rimsky-Korsakov′s "Mozart and Salieri" she noted, only the cold ideas. "I hate this new direction, the image pitch darkness and horror of life. This is the bare truth, a terrible truth, one word, this "ibsenizm.

Maria Nikolaevna read a lot. Pushkin, Nekrasov, Gogol, Ostrovsky . . . Never had no "passion of collecting. " Only image how Joan of Arc, in all forms: statues, bronzes, prints, drawings, which she gave.

Life Style actress quite easy. The relationship with her husband N. Shubinskim limited to the need to live in one house for the daughter . . . Her great love was a famous scientist in Europe. But to leave the family for a phantom of happiness, she did not want. Many years later, when daughter Mary Nikolayevna grew and married, her lover once again invited to join with destiny, but as this change, he connected with her departure from the theater, Yermolov refused. Everything is as usual. Maria Nikolaevna even more closed in itself, has met only with old friends.

In 1920 was solemnly celebrated the 50 anniversary of the stage action Yermolova. Yesterday, she played the scene out of "Mary Stuart" (Mary′s visit with Queen Elizabeth). It was first awarded the title "Russian People′s Artist. " The government handed over to her house on Tverskaya Boulevard, where she lived most of his life. The actress has received hundreds of greetings from all over the country.

After the anniversary of Maria Nikolaevna continued to work despite the persuasions of friends to take care of themselves. "Is this now the time to think about yourself?" - she answered.

In January 1921, Mary N. ill. By order of Narkomzdrava actress had been provided with the necessary medicines and foodstuffs. She was treated the best professors, fans literally besieging the house, to cope on her health, and each brought her everything he could.

Yermolov recovered, and in December of 1921 came on the scene in "Kholopov. This was her last performance.

Actress less appears on stage. The day before his 70 th anniversary Yermolov A. I Yuzhinu wrote: ". . . I want only one, that on this evening all my friends were with me together. I am the only one, but need to be whole . . . "

Every year health deteriorated actress. March 12, 1928 in 7 hours and 14 minutes, Maria Nikolaevna Yermolova died.