Gutzkow Karl

Karl Gutzkow (b. March 17, 1811, Berlin – d. December 16, 1878, Sachsenhausen) was a German writer and playwright, the author of literary and theoretical works, novels, comedies, dramas.

Gutzkow's drama Uriel Acosta (1846) has stood the test of time. In the early 1880s, the Maly Theatre (Moscow) performed this play in Georgia. During the same period, the play was translated by I. Bakradze (published in the journal “Theatre” on November 29, 1887), and was staged by the Kutaisi Dramatic Troupe. K. Meskhi played the role of Uriel. In 1901, L. Meskhishvili played this role. The play Uriel Acosta directed by K. Marjanishvili is of particular importance in the history of Georgian theatre art (1929, translator of the play – V. Gaprindashvili, director – G. Suliashvili, artist – P. Otskheli, choreographer – D. Machavariani, composer – T. Vakhvakhishvili, the main roles performed by – U. Chkheidze and V. Anjaparidze). This was a landmark play that marked the beginning of the revival of Georgian theatre.

In 1952, the 300^th performance of the play was held on the occasion of the 80^th anniversary of K. Marjanishvili. In 1962, the play was revived by V. Anjaparidze. In 1972, a renewed performance was dedicated to the 100^th anniversary of K. Marjanishvili.

 

 Z. Charkhalashvili