SMILE UPON US, LORD
Written by Grigory Kanovich
Vakhtangov State Academic Theatre of Russia
Rimas Tuminas' adaptation of two novels by fellow Lithuanian, Grigory Kanovich, is a dreamy, ruminative, comedic road trip, centering around the parlous fortunes of Eastern European Jews at the start of the 20th century. A period piece that carries a modern conscious, Smile Upon Us, is a Becket-like "Waiting for Jehovah" that has garnered rave reviews during its recent runs in both London and New York, and promises to be just as memorable on the big screen. Featuring three towering figures from the Russian stage, Viktor Sukhorukov, Aleksei Guskov and Vladimir Simonov.
Formats: DCP, Blu ray or MP4
"A comic, epic 'Waiting for Jehovah" - Guardian, London
"I wouldn't have wished it a moment shorter. This is food
for the soul" - Independent, London
"Viktor Sukhorukov is otherworldly, ecstatic and altogether heartbreaking" - NY Times
Language: Russian
Translation: English subtitles
Running time: 2 hours 32 minutes
About the Director: Lithuanian director Rimas Tuminas was undeniably one of the most decorated stage directors in world theatre. His works were and continue to be presented across the globe from Shanghai to New York, and upon taking over as Artistic Director at Moscow's Vakhtangov Theatre, he transformed the legendary theatre into a venue of must-see events. His productions of Eugene Onegin, Uncle Vanya and War & Peace all garnered rave reviews and earned praise from fellow artists, including Ralph Feinnes, who considers Tuminas' Uncle Vanya to be" his "favorite performance, a performance of his heart." In 2014, Tuminas was diagnosed with lung cancer. He died in Gallipoli, Apulia (Italy) on March 6, 2024 at the age of 72.
Creative Team
Director - Rimas Tuminas
Set Design and Costumes - Adomas Jacovskis
Music - Faustas Latenas
Lighting Designer - Maya Shavdatuashvili
Cast
Efraim Dudak – Vladimir Simonov
Šmulé-Sender Lazarek – Aleksei Guskov
Avner Rosenthal – Viktor Sukhorukov
The She-goat – Yulia Rutberg
“The Palestinian” – Pavel Popov
Yudl Krapivnikov – Alexander Ryshchenkov
Rabbi Aviézer – Alexei Kuznetsov
Khloyne-Genekh – Victor Dobronravov
Joselé the Gypsy – Vitalys Semenovs
Khasya – Olga Chipovskaya
Nekhama – Oksana Surkova
Feiga – Lidiya Konstantinova
Press
Aleksei Guskov: an Actor Without a Stereotype, The Theatre Times
Grigoriy Kanovich. Interview, thereklama.com
Alexey Guskov. Interview, thereklama.com
Smile Upon Us, Lord, review: A dreamy, ruminative road-trip, Independent, London
Review: ‘Smile at Us, Oh Lord’ Depicts a Jewish Odyssey, NY Times