Moscow news
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15-Mar-2008
Kuskovo's Old Outdoor Theater to Get Repairs
The Kuskovo estate, which is located in the southeast of Moscow, continues to be a popular summer attraction for Muscovites and tourists alike. Built in the 18th Century as the Sheremetyev counts' summer residence and encompassing numerous auxiliary buildings, an orangery, a church and museums it has always, despite the ravages of time, retained the atmosphere of the era in which is was built. Some neglected parts are, however, soon to be restored to their former glory, such as the old open-air theater and Italian garden located in the eastern area of the estate.
"The whole park does not need to be restored since it is in good condition," said a spokesperson for the Kuskovo estate. All the original 18th century buildings are still standing and well preserved. Our project for the moment is to rebuild the Italian section of the park which includes the outdoor theater, the traces of which are still visible and in quite good condition."
The interesting feature about this theater, is that it is to consist entirely of plants.
"It is more of a landscape gardening piece rather than architecture feature," said the spokesperson.
The whole theater, including its amphitheater, the "‘count's box," auditorium, stage and orchestra pit, was built in the second half 18th century and created entirely from turf, trees, shrubs as well as strawberry and raspberry plants. At the time, plays were performed by a company of serfs. It was only at the beginning of the 19th century, when the Sheremetyevs moved to their residence in Ostankino, that the theatre was abandoned and no longer used for performances.
"Plays will probably be put on once the theatre is finished, but it really is too early to confirm this," said the source at Kuskovo. As well as the theater, the garden by the Italian house is set to be revamped and will comprise a whole array of rare flowers, plants and orangery trees.
According to the prefect of Moscow's Eastern Administrative district, Nikolai Evtikhiev, the city plans to invest 500 million rubles. He says, "a whole series of repair work will be carried out between 2008 and 2010."
The Moscow News