The Mariinsky Theatre - Behind the Scenes of Russia's most famous Opera House

Ever since the nineteenth century, the Mariinsky Theatre - a jewel in the crown of Russian Imperial theatres - has been an important cultural symbol of Russian statehood. The Theatre's performances are highly innovative and striven toward a synthesis and unification of music, drama, art and choreography. Although artificially interrupted in the middle of the twentieth century, this process is today gathering an impressive momentum. The appointment of Valery Gergiev as Principal Conductor and Artistic Director of the Mariinsky Theatre provided new impetus for fresh productions, meeting world standards in modern operatic art. The 30-min-documentary "The Mariinsky Theatre" features the Russian Opera ensemble including the famous Ballet-Academy. Artists such as Valery Gergiev or David Freeman directing Strauss' Salome speak about their association with the Mariinsky Theatre.