Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Mosfilm Film Concern – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
March 31, 2026
News editorial office
43
From March 12th to 28th, pre-premiere rehearsals for the play "A Reason to Stay" took place at Mosfilm's Pavilion 13. This production by the ENTRACTE theatrical agency brought together Victoria Isakova and Igor Gordin, who were performing together for the first time. Director Igor Teplov brought the story of the fine line between separation and hope, based on the play by Oscar nominee Bernard Slade, to the rehearsal space.
Pre-premiere rehearsals for "A Reason to Stay," a comedy melodrama based on the play "On Special Occasions" by renowned playwright Bernard Slade, have concluded at Mosfilm's Pavilion 13. The production was produced by the ENTRACTE theatrical agency under the direction of Igor Teplov.
The central roles are played by Victoria Isakova and Igor Gordin, for whom working on this material was their first creative collaboration. The play's protagonists are a married couple, Emma and Michael. Having just celebrated 15 years of happy marriage, they decide to divorce, promising to "remain friends" for the sake of their children's future. However, each new "special occasion" reunion—whether sad or funny—turns into a chance to reconnect. And each time, something prevents them from staying together.
The rehearsal process of a performance
Slade wrote the original play in 1982, already the author of several popular screenplays and the winner of prestigious awards. He penned stories where everyday dialogue conceals a genuine emotional drama. Director Igor Teplov continues this tradition in the new production. The premiere took place on March 29, 2026.
"Rare encounters after divorce lead the characters to understand that marriage is a lifelong journey. It can have different periods, not just moments of joy. And, as trite as it may sound, it turns out that family happiness requires three components: the attraction of bodies, the attraction of souls, and the attraction of minds," the play's director noted in a commentary for Mosfilm.ru.
It's worth noting that Mosfilm has been collaborating with Moscow theaters and theatrical agencies for several years. In 2024, Mosfilm's Pavilion No. 13 hosted rehearsals and a dress rehearsal of the play "Sharp Objects" by the Entracte theatrical agency. The production can be seen at the Taganka Theater. Rehearsals for a stage version of A.S. Pushkin's novel "Dubrovsky" (at the Satirikon Theater) also took place in Pavilion No. 12. Theatrical production organizers agree that rehearsals at Mosfilm's pavilions are convenient for actors in terms of space, airiness, and lighting, and the conditions themselves are close to those of a stage.
In 2023, Pavilion 13 of the film concern became the main rehearsal space for the play "Warsaw Melody" (premiered at the Yermolova Theatre). In 2020, Mosfilm Pavilion 11 hosted rehearsals for the play "Two on the Seesaw" by the independent theatre project "Atelier." The premiere took place at the Taganka Theatre. In 2016, Pavilion 12 hosted the play "The Taming of the Shrew" (Teatrium on Serpukhovka), and in 2015, the film studio hosted rehearsals for a production of the contemporary French play "The Name" (Atelier project), among other things.
All Mosfilm sound stages, which have undergone major renovations and restoration, as well as the new sound stages (No. 16 and No. 17), meet the latest technical and technological requirements not only for film and television production. Large, medium, and small sound stages can be used as spaces for large-scale concerts and cultural events, theatrical rehearsals, business presentations, large-scale and intimate exhibition displays, and more.
Mosfilm pavilions
For rental and cooperation inquiries: Central Production Department (CPD), Tel.: 7 (499) 143-9891, e-mail: cpy@mosfilm.ru. The CPD is in charge of 17 filming pavilions (including the Church and Chroma Key sets), 2 outdoor locations, 2 photo and video test studios, a television studio, and 13 acting complexes.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
