Pushkin's 'Horseman' Censored: Poet vs. State

A new translation of Alexander Pushkin's seminal poem, "The Bronze Horseman," offers a vibrant portrayal of 19th-century Russian literature. This masterpiece, starring Max Irons as Pushkin, delves into the enduring conflict between state authority and individual liberty, a theme as relevant now as it was centuries ago.

The production interweaves Pushkin's epic poem with dramatic scenes from his own life. It highlights his parallel battles against state power, particularly when his wife became entangled with Tsar Nicholas's court, and his own work faced censorship and a publication ban due to suspected sedition.

This staging examines power dynamics, social class, nationalism, and identity, showcasing Pushkin's potent imagery of a city battling natural disaster and a supernatural chase. The dual narratives of the poem and its censorship speak to contemporary debates on freedom versus state control.