Revived Nord-Ost musical to be premiered on February 8, 2003

The revived musical Nord-Ost will be premiered on February 8, 2003 at the old address - the Theatrical Centre on Dubrovka, musical director Georgy Vasilyev, Nord-Ost general producer, said on Tuesday.

According to him, "This is an event in Russia's theatrical and cultural life".

At the same time Vasilyev emphasised that far from all were able to abstract themselves from tragic associations with the Nord-Ost and have difficulty in appreciating the musical as a landmark in theatrical culture.

Vasilyev cited findings of a December telephone poll of Muscovites, which showed that 84 per cent of those surveyed backed the view that the production should live on, while 65 per cent believed that the state ought to help with the revival of the Nord-Ost.

At the same time Vasilyev remarked that following the terrorist act the number of those wishing to see the production had slightly diminished. To help spectators overcome psychological barriers, a programme will be launched to "socially rehabilitate" the musical and the theatrical building.

Additional safety arrangements will be provided. In particular, the Nord-Ost producer said, metal detectors will be installed at the Dubrovka centre, monitoring systems, a permanent police post, and a group of army engineers will be on stand-by.

The design of the theatre will be altered too - with a new curtain, another interior, and other scenic effects, music arrangement and costumes. All these will be made more radiant and life-asserting. What will remain unchanged is the spirit of the production - it will as before be a cheerful and optimistic fairy tale about love, Vasilyev said.