There are three characters in Amina Zhaman’s comedy: Konstantin Stanislavsky (aged 65), Michael Chekhov (37) and a waitress named Güler (20). The action takes place at a Turkish cafeteria in Berlin. The play is based on true events. It has been inspired by the last meeting between Stanislavsky and Chekhov, two world-famous actors, which occurred at Kurfürstendamm Boulevard in Berlin.
Long story short. In September of 1928 Konstantin Stanislavsky goes for treatment to Germany, where he is also about to have multiple encounters with his favourite student Michael Chekhov. Prior to leaving for Badenweiler, Stanislavsky makes an appointment with Chekhov at a café in downtown Berlin for a substantive discussion on certain items of their acting methods which have been the main reason of disagreements between the master and the apprentice. In the course of a confidential dialogue, Stanislavsky finds out Chekhov’s next career plans, and attempts to settle the leading actor of Moscow Art Theatre-2 for a comeback to the Russian capital.
It is in Zhaman’s play where Stanislavsky and Chekhov are, for the first time ever, being introduced as characters. Performers of the two main parts Sergey Ishenko (Stanislavsky) and Andrey Sumtsov (Chekhov) will certainly leave a legacy in the history of drama theatre. Both actors brilliantly portrayed their heroes. Amina Zhaman is incomparable as Turkish waitress Güler. She brought joy to the show and set the right tone from the first scene. Audience can hear her signature laughter in the second scene when Güler meets Michael Chekhov (or simply Misha). The only female character is partly inspired by charismatic author herself. The two witty men, Konstantin and Michael, talk seriously about art, though both are incredibly funny while discussing other matters. Güler’s immediate reactions to the lines of main actors bring them down to Earth – from “high art” to “low depth”.
As the heroes go on to argue, each of the two respectfully listens to the opponent and still remains of his own opinion. They mention outstanding artists Feodor Chaliapin and Alexander Moissi. Konstantin and Michael fantasize about the roles of their dreams. Michael reads the first part of Hamlet’s monologue “To Be, or Not to Be” in German. They also recall writer Anton Chekhov. Symbolically, since the publication of Amina Zhaman’s plays in a bilingual book “CROISEMENTS DE DESTINS” (Vibration Editions, 2025, Russian, French) in France, European critics call her “the new Chekhov.” Her work is highly valued in Russia, in the West and in the East. Zhaman’s contribution to the Russian and World Theatre is undeniable. Especially after World Premieres of her original plays in Moscow – “CHALIAPIN/O’NEILL” (2019) and “STANISLAVSKY/CHEKHOV” (2026).
First performance of Amina Zhaman’s stage production “STANISLAVSKY/CHEKHOV” at Pokrovka. Theatre in Moscow was timed to Michael Chekhov’s Day of Remembrance – September 30, 2026. Public Premiere will be held on November 15, 2026. Artistic Director of Pokrovka. Theatre Dmitry Bikbaev was highly impressed by Zhaman’s play, work ethics and tempo-rhythm underlining that he couldn’t even imaging that in a month and a half the show will be ready. It is truly a record time comparing to the pre-production of other theatre shows in Russia.
Fabulous stage production already received rave reviews in Russia and Turkiye. Brilliant play by Amina Zhaman, gorgeous scenery by Anastasia Alexandrova, magnificent costumes by Svetlana Litvinova, stunning portraits of main characters in Ebru technique by Elena Belozerova for the poster and the show, amazing choreography by Irina Levakova, without saying of outstanding acting ensemble… The running time of Zhaman’s production is 1 hour and 15 minutes without intermission.
No doubt Amina Zhaman’s original show “STANISLAVSKY/CHEKHOV” (executive produced by Julia Ivanova and Andrew Alexeev) will amaze its viewers in November 2026 and throughout its entire run at Pokrovka. Theatre. Audience in Moscow will definitely get what it deserves – an outstanding stage production based on a great new play.
Photos by Alexandr Savenkov
