Marriage — Nikolai Gogol

A co-production between the Dolichos Theatre Company and the Municipal and Regional Theatre of Kozani.

Performed at Poreia Theatre from January 10 to March 25, 2004.

The performance was also presented at the Kozani Art Forum from March 31 to April 4, 2004.

The plot of the play: In the first act of this “completely unbelievable incident”, as Gogol himself characterizes The Marriage, Podkolyosin, a timid and indecisive civil servant, fascinated by the routine afforded him by his status as a single man, finally decides to get married. In keeping with the customs of the time, he hires a matchmaker, the capable Fyokla, to introduce him to a suitable bride. Persuaded by his close friend Kochkaryov, he takes the big step and visits the prospective bride, Agafya Tikhonovna. At the bride’s house, the prospective grooms gather: the stout Yaichnitsa, the worldly Zhevakin, the delicate Anuchkin – and Podkolyosin himself. The scene in which they meet the bride is followed by their highly comedic contest with one another.

In the second act, Agafya must decide which of the grooms she prefers. The catalytic intervention of Kochkaryov and his machinations and manoeuvres, convinces her to select Podkolyosin, leaving the other candidates behind. However, during the preparations for the wedding, Podkolyosin reconsiders and abandons the idea of marriage – and the bride – by jumping out of the window. […]

Source: Poreia Theatre