Dostoyevsky's CRIME AND PUNISHMENT to Open at NYC's West End Theater

The Russian Arts Theater and Studio (TRATS) continues its 2016/17 season with Crime and Punishment, a newly adapted play by Di Zhu based on Fyodor Dostoyevsky's magnum opus. Renowned Muscovite director Aleksey Burago leads an international ensemble featuring Charles Anderson, Georgina Bates, Jim Boerlin, Michael Donaldson, Toni Goldman, Perikles Mandinga, Luisa Menzen, Ariel Polanco, Danijela Popovic, Flavio Romeo, David Russell, Ingrid Wheatley, Christopher Zach and Di Zhu.

In the hot slums of St. Petersburg lives Raskolnikov, a former student struggling with debt and disillusionment. Believing himself to be a superior man, he soon executes a plan to kill and rob an old pawnbroker, arguing that her money can be used for good deeds, while ridding the world of a worthless parasite. As the growing voice of his conscience sets in, Raskolnikov soon finds the noose of his own guilt tightening around his neck. This summer, join The Russian Arts Theater and Studio as it brings one of the greatest novels to life at the West End Theater and embark upon a journey into the mind of a killer and his search for redemption.

Critcally acclaimed director Aleksey Burago brings his distinct style to Crime and Punishment. His latest production of Avenue of Wonder epitomizes the Burago aesthetic: minimalistic and low-tech, yet full of inventive stagecraft and theatrical magic.

"With the presidential election just around the corner, I think Crime and Punishment is now more relevant than ever. It is a cautionary tale of how arrogance leads to the suffering of others -- and ultimately, ourselves. When a human being believes himself to be superior, even in the tiniest degree, it is the beginning of his spiritual destruction," says Burago.

Aleksey Burago is a former protege of the late Pyotr Fomenko and famous for his work in Russian stages and TV, including The Hermitage Theater and Aleksandrinka Theater (Beyond Recognition), Moscow TV (Queen of Spades), Youth Theater (The Emperor's New Clothes, Stoned), Interatelier Theater (Fandor and Liz), and The Baltic House Theater (Camille). Among his productions in New York are Ah, My Dear Andersen! (New York Time Out Critic's Pick), Wonder Bread (Winner of Best Show at the United Solo Fesitval) Uncle Vanya, My Uncle Chekhov, and Avenue of Wonder.

Preview performances for Crime and Punishment begin at 8PM on July 19th, July 20th and July 21st, 2016. The production officially opens on July 22nd and will play until August 28th, 2016. Performances run weekly from Tuesdays to Sundays at 8PM. Performances will take place at the West End Theater, located inside the Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew. The venue is located at 263 W86th Street, New York, NY 10024.

Tickets are on live online at www.russiantheater.eventbrite.com. In-person tickets can be purchased at the box office after July 1st, 2016 at the West End Theater. Further information about the show can be found on www.russiantheater.org.

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