Ruben Simonov: biography and personal life

Ruben Simonov, whose photo is in this article, is a Soviet director and actor. In 1946 he was awarded the title People's Artist of the USSR. R. Simonov is a laureate of the State and Lenin Prizes and a star of the national scene.

Childhood

Ruben Nikolayevich Simonov was born on March 20, 1899 (in the new style of the village of April 1) in Moscow, in an Armenian family. Father, Simonyants Nikolai Davidovich, was the owner of a carpet store. Because of political sentiments in the country, his name was Russified. And Nikolay Davidovich became Simonov.

Already in his childhood Ruben discovered musicality, given by nature. The environment contributed to the development of a sense of rhythm and hearing, as the house was constantly playing music. While still very young, Ruben sang well, played the violin and piano and wrote poetry.

Education

After school, in 1918, Simonov entered the Moscow University, the Faculty of Law. But graduated only first year. And in 1919 he entered the studio named after Shalyapin. Then I saw Vakhtangov's announcement of recruiting me to the Mansurovsky Theater Studio. At that time she was part of the Art Theater. And in 1920, Ruben Simonov entered it. In 1946, he became a professor.

Choice of life path

It was in Shalyapin's studio that Ruben Nikolayevich finally decided on the path of life, deciding to become an actor. Then he met personally with the director Vakhtangov and became his pupil. At first he played in performances as a simple actor. But from 1924 he became a novice director. In 1926, the studio began to be called the Vakhtangov Theater. And Ruben Nikolayevich continued to work in it as a director.

The first scenic steps

Vakhtangov, first glancing at Simonov's play on the stage, and in a dramatic role, immediately determined that he would make a great comedian. In the "Princess Turandot" Ruben Nikolayevich played the role of Truffaldino. Vakhtangov invited Simonov to attend as an assistant in the movement and rhythm. The lessons of the famous director laid the foundation for the formation of Ruben Nikolayevich's talent. So, from a simple actor he became a director.

Creative activity

From 1928 to 1937 Ruben Simonov was the head of the studio-theater. He worked with such well-known personalities as Lobanov and Rapoport. He worked with many famous artists: Williams, Matrunin, and others. Worked with famous actors: Barsky, Gabovich, Doronin, etc. Many of Simonov's performances were widely known: "The Bride", "Virgin Soil Upturned", etc.

In 1937 the studio-theater, in which Ruben Nikolayevich worked, was merged with the Moscow State Youth Theater. A year later it was called the MDT of the Lenin Komsomol. From 1939 until the end of his life Ruben Simonov worked as the chief director in the Theater. Vakhtangov. I put many unforgettable performances. And in the Bolshoi Theater of the USSR - several opera productions.

Simultaneously, Ruben Nikolayevich worked as a teacher at the Shchukinsky Theater School. He led the first, second and third Armenian and Uzbek studios in Moscow.

Mastery of the actor

He owned a wide stage range. Ruben Simonov is an actor who easily managed romantic elation, comedic roles and soulful lyricism. In the performances in which he played, he always dominated. Simonov had boundless acting skills: plasticity, musicality and voice.

The last role

The role of Domenico Soriano was woven from contradictions: kindness, evil, falsehood and sincerity. And Ruben mastered it magnificently. This was one of his last works. Fascinated by instant switching to different rhythms and transitions from comedy to drama. From the side it seemed that Ruben Nikolayevich said goodbye to the stage.

It was impossible to look at his game without emotion. And the music that Simonov played on the guitar seemed to fascinate the viewer. Together with Ruben Nikolayevich in the play played Mansurova. Their meeting on the stage, as it turned out, was the last.

Directing activity

The director's path was no less exciting for Simonov. The accent in this profession he did on revealing of actor's abilities, their disclosing and then already - full use of "blossoming" talent. Ruben Nikolayevich, like his teachers - Vakhtangov and Stanislavsky - was not only a director, but also an actor. Therefore, I sensed the technique and the organic skill.

In the performances, which put Ruben Simonov, the actors were co-authors of his creative findings. Therefore, it is not accidental that he opened all new names, which later became unforgettable creative personalities.

Simonov's submission to the genres

When Simonov was engaged in directing, he tried to expand the genre and thematic framework. Few could, like Ruben Nikolayevich, give a real life a shade of romance, and a dream - a vital pragmatism.

Concerning the political conjuncture, Simonov was obliged to be sensitive and give performances according to a mature ideology. But between them managed to insert and not very passable, not quite suitable for censorship. A special combination of different genres could be unnatural to the artist, but not to Ruben Nikolayevich. He only won from this.

Recent work by Simonov

The theater of Ruben Simonov staged many magnificent performances. And the last works are "Konarmiya", "Warsaw melody" and "Princess Turandot". To put it Ruben Nikolaevich dreamed for a long time. But because of the cosmopolitan campaign, when many theaters were closed (even the Chamber Theater), Simonov wanted to act with certainty.

These were the times when Vakhtangov's art was banned. Those who violated it threatened to restrict creative activity. And the production of "The Princess Turandot" could have unpredictable consequences. But it was this spectacle Simonov risked to put in the early 60's, to the 80th anniversary of Vakhtangov. Ruben Nikolayevich staged the play without violating his old construction. And soon the "Princess Turandot" again took to the stage.

The result of the work of Simonov can be called "Warsaw melody". This performance was staged according to Zorin's play in 1967. A play about prohibitions on marriages between different nationalities. It touches on many moral and political problems. For his creative work, Ruben Nikolayevich not only supported the traditions of Vakhtangov Theater, but also illuminated his talent with his talent for the future.

Ruben Simonov: personal life and death of the director

Simonov Ruben Nikolayevich was married twice. The first wife, Elena Berseneva, worked at the Vakhtangov Theater as an actress. But she died very early. The second time Simonov married Svetlana Jimbinova, who worked as a theater director. Ruben Nikolaevich had a son, who was named Eugene. He became a People's Artist of the Soviet Union.

Simonov had become a grandfather during his lifetime. In his honor, and called the grandson. Moreover, he has preserved the family tradition that has already become a tradition. Ruben Jr. also became an actor. Simonov died in Moscow, on December 5, 1968. He was buried at the Novodevichy Cemetery, on site number two.

Awards and titles

Simonov Ruben Nikolayevich was awarded the Stalin Prize three times - the first (2 times) and the second degree. And he also received Lenin's for modern and classical plays staged in the MADT. Ruben Nikolayevich was awarded several orders (including Lenin) and medals. Simonov RN received the title of People's Artist of the Soviet Union.