FAMOUS MOSCOW THEATRE TO BE CLOSED UP

Northern Advocate, 10 January 1938, Page 5

FAMOUS MOSCOW THEATRE TO BE CLOSED UP

(Received 2.30 p.m.) LONDON, January 9. The Riga correspondent of “The Times” says the Soviet has ordered the immediate liquidation of the famous Meyerhold State Theatre, Moscow, as an institution alien to the Soviet. The Art Committee will decide the future occupation of the manager, M. Vsevolod Meyerhold, whose ideas, until recently, were held up to the world as the boldest and most brilliant development of revolutionary theatrical art. Even the latest English official guide describes his theatre as markedly influencing not only the Communist' stage, but earning wide reputation abroad by its quest of new ways of affecting the audience. M. Meyerhold was classed among the authorities. Alien Mentality Charge.

Months ago the press accused him. of alien mentality, and of propagating ideas against the Soviet, but instead of admitting his error, he had the audacity to defend himself. It is now alleged at Moscow that wreckers have gravely affected the cinema industry. Boris Shumiatsky, General Manager cf the Film Trust, has been denounced as having fallen into the hands of saboteurs. He allegedly failed to employ political scenes, misappropriated funds amounting to 20,000,000 roubles, wasted since 1936 on 39 films which have never been released.