What is the main theme of Pushkin's The Bronze Horseman?

The main theme is the conflict between state power and the individual.

Who plays Pushkin in the new production of The Bronze Horseman?

Max Irons stars as the Russian poet Alexander Pushkin in this new production.

When was Pushkin's The Bronze Horseman written?

The Bronze Horseman is a 19th-century Russian masterpiece, written during the 1830s.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Pushkin's 'Horseman' Censored: Poet vs. State

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

23 Nov

•

Summary

Poem explores state power versus individual freedom.
Pushkin faced censorship and suspicion of sedition.
New translation brings classic Russian masterpiece to life.

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.