Published on: 2026-10-20
Source: Moscow Government – Правительства Москвы –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Is the viewer familiar with the boy Motl from Kasrilovka, the son of the cantor Peysi? The very same dreamer and optimist from the shtetl?
When his father died, the family was left without money and decided to take a big step — to move to America. Together with his mother, brother Ele, and his wife, young Motl travels through various cities of Europe until finally reaching New York. He himself tells about everything that happens to them, about grief and new hopes — perhaps with childlike naivety, but with curiosity and love for the world.
For director Natalia Shurganova, Sholom Aleichem’s texts are an opportunity to talk about what is happening to people now. Motl will be played by guest artist Arslan Kenzhaev. His character is a contemporary, but, like the boy Motl a hundred years ago, he feels different from everyone else and dreams of a better life. Many of his generation are searching for their own “America,” but for some reason not everyone gets there. A hundred years ago and today, this story speaks about a person’s right to be different, about issues of identity. Only the rhythm changes.
This is not a finished play, but an experiment and a first sketch of the production, an experience, a trial. Here the director is searching for their own key to Sholom Aleichem: it could be a comedy, tragicomedy, dramedy, farce, tragic farce, or even a performance.
Director — Natalia Shurganova.
Starring: Arslan Kenzhaev (Motl), Evgeny Ovchinnikov (Eli’s Brother), Anna Terentyeva (Mom, policeman, Geneh-Krivoy), Milana Vladikina (Mikhl, Hana, Fraulein Zaichik, man with kvass, liar), Alina Yemets (Broha, carpenter Nakhmen, rich man Yosya, boy Kopl), Alina Iskhakova (Old Man Lurie, Goldele).
Duration — no more than 1 hour 20 minutes.
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