From the Author
“The Autumn of My Springtime” is a song about my grandmother and memories of the post-war years in a deserted and impoverished Kutaisi.
The same scene you could have probably seen in Nizhny Novgorod and Samara: the cold, the famine, the kerosene stoves. And the incredible generosity and courage of ordinary people.
There was a desire to live and to love – the difference, in my opinion, between the difficult times then and the difficult times today. In those days, people carried “springs of life” within themselves, which would not allow them to “wither”, which helped them survive and rejoice in life. And if this story has touched you, I have succeeded in my task”.
Rezo Gabriadze
About the play
This is a story about Boris Gadai, a small bird with a big heart. It takes place in Kutaisi, Georgia, after the end of the World War II. When Varlam, the organ-grinder dies, Boris is the only one left to take care of the old grandmother Domna. Unwittingly, Boris becomes a thief, falls in love with beautiful Ninel and undertakes many dangerous and exciting adventures. This is a story of a journey through dreams, despair, anger and joy. It is an enchanting mixture of masterful puppetry, Georgian folk songs, dance and memories dear to the author’s heart.
THE AUTUMN OF MY SPRINGTIME
PLAYWRIGHT, DIRECTOR AND ART DIRECTOR
REZO GABRIADZE
“THE AUTUMN OF MY SPRINGTIME” WAS PRODUCED IN COOPERATION WITH THE THEATRE VIDY-LAUSANNE
Running time: 90 minutes
Premiered: 2002, Lausanne, Switzerland
Performers
Boris – Ramaz Chkhikvadze
Domna – Rusudan Bolkvadze
Varlam – Leo Antadze
Ninel – Natia Kavsadze
Kakauridze – Imer Kavsadze
Flora –Natia Kavsadze
Shalom – Kakhi Maisuradze
Attorney – Givi Berikashvili
Judge – Rezo Tavartkiladze
Prosecutor – Guard Sagharadze
Women Factory Workers – Ciala Gurgenidze, Neli Mindiashvili, Tina Kozanova
Agent №23 – Badri Gvazava
Animators
Niko Gelovani, Tamar Amirajibi, Badri Gvazava, Irakli Sharashidze, Anna Nizharadze, Tamar Kobakhidze
Puppet Masters and Set Designers
Luka Gonashvili, Shmagi Savaneli, Luka Gonashvili, Vladimir Meltser, Avtandil Gonashvili,
Gela Djangirashvili, Gayane Takaishvili,
Maya Kobakhidze, Tamar Amirajibi, Irina Ujmadjuridze, Tamar Kobakhidze
Musical Directors
Rezo Gabriadze, Elene Japaridze