A Timeless Story Comes to Life in New York: Alexander Volodin’s Five Evenings
New York, NY — March 20th through March 30th, 2025
For the first time ever in New York, Russian-speaking audiences and theater enthusiasts alike will have the chance to experience Alexander Volodin’s masterpiece Five Evenings, presented in its original language. This poignant production, directed by the talented Eduard Tolokonnikov, will run at the Chain Theater (312 West 36th Street, New York, NY) from March 20 through March 30, 2025.
Five Evenings is a moving melodrama that weaves together the stories of two generations, exploring love, loss, and resilience in the face of unimaginable hardships. Set against the backdrop of Stalin’s post-war Soviet Union, the play follows Ilyin and Tamara, two former lovers separated by 17 years of war and the GULAG. Reuniting at last, they must grapple with the passage of time, the scars of suffering, and the possibility of rebuilding what was once lost. Parallel to their journey is the story of young Slava and Katya, whose youthful hopes and dreams mirror those of the older generation, albeit in a new and turbulent era of the 1960s.
Cast: Lana Shypitsyna, Roman Freud, Ekaterina Cherepanova, Aleksei Furmanov, Inna Yesilevskaya, and Dima Koan.
Director’s Vision. Director Eduard Tolokonnikov, a rising talent, brings a fresh perspective to this classic work. Despite having no direct connection to the Soviet experience, Tolokonnikov was struck by the timeless themes of Volodin’s play. Five Evenings is not just about a specific era — it’s about all of us. Its enduring relevance lies in its universal themes of hope, humanity, and the longing for peace.
“The play’s final line, ‘Oh, if only there were no war,’ speaks volumes,” says Tolokonnikov. “It is a sentiment shared by every generation.”
About the Play. Premiering in 1959 at the Leningrad State Academic Bolshoi Drama Theater, Five Evenings has become a cornerstone of Russian theater. Volodin’s ability to capture the nuances of human emotion, while subtly embedding the weight of history, makes this play a timeless classic. Without overt depictions of war or brutality, the story resonates through its characters’ feelings, dreams, and quiet resilience.
This production aims to bring Volodin’s rich narrative and emotional depth to life for a contemporary audience, connecting the struggles and hopes of the past with the present day.
Performance Details. Dates: March 20–30, 2025. Venue: Chain Theater, 312 West 36th Street, New York, NY. Language: Russian (with English surtitles available).
Tickets are available now on Eventbrite. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience one of Russian theater’s most enduring works in an intimate and powerful setting.
About Eduard Tolokonnikov: A director with a keen eye for human emotion and storytelling, Tolokonnikov has been praised for his innovative interpretations of classic works. With Five Evenings, he offers a production that is as heartfelt as it is contemporary, breathing new life into this timeless story.
Media Contact: 929-404-3893
Join us for a heartfelt journey through love, memory, and the resilience of the human spirit. Experience Five Evenings this March in New York City.