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Friends,

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We have gathered here in Yaroslavl for a good reason,

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which is to kick off the Year of Theatre in Russia,

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as 2019 will be the year of theatre art.

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The choice of venue is clear: Russian theatre,

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the drama theatre for the general public, was born here.

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As you may be aware, 534 B.C.

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is the year when theatre, world theatre, was born. 

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In our country, theatre in its proper form was created in the 18th century. 

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As you know, our people often come up with wonderful sayings,

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one of which goes like this: in Russia, they saddle slow but ride fast.

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About the same thing happened with our theatre.

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At first, it existed in the form of private performances at various 

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estates and was promoted by the people who loved art and theatre.

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In 1750, our professional theatre was born here.

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In 1752, the company moved to St Petersburg, and in 1756,

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Empress Elizabeth of Russia decided to create, essentially,

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the first national theatre for the general public.

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This, of course, gave an incredible impetus to theatre art not only 

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in our country, but throughout the world as well.

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Saddling slow and riding fast is part of our national character,

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and it fully made itself felt in theatre art, because our theatre,

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without any exaggeration, has become the world’s leader.

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Theatre in the broad sense of the word.

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It is not accidental that the colleagues with whom we met today told us 

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that their foreign colleagues often come to Russia and do 

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so with pleasure. Now we know why.

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Because we have created wonderful theatre schools in Russia in general,

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including the Russian Empire, later the Soviet Union 

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and the Russian Federation today.

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We have the largest number of publicly-funded theatres 

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compared to any other country. Of course, this is our strong side.

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Theatre is a unique art that includes dancing,

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singing and acting. This art has an amazing effect on people.

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It is a multifaceted art.

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Our skilled actors and theatre directors have mastered this 

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multifaceted art perfectly.

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I strongly hope that the Year of Theatre in Russia will do more than 

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just give an impetus to theatre art.

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It will help theatre professionals strengthen their positions in our 

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country, take them around the world again and, of course,

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give an opportunity to theatre lovers in Russia to enjoy 

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the performances that the theatre community brings to our people.

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I congratulate you on the beginning of the Year of Theatre in Russia.