The White Guard
by Mikhail Bulgakov
in a new version by Andrew Upton
Following the successes of Russian epics Burnt by the Sun and Philistines, the National stages Andrew Upton’s vigorous new version of Mikhail Bulgakov’s rarely performed masterpiece, unrivalled in its depiction of the near-farcical mayhem of civil war across a vast and vivid canvas.
This overcoat is neutral darling, neither Bolshevik nor Menshevik. Just essence of Prole.
In Kiev during the Russian Civil War, the Turbin household is sanctuary to a ragtag, close-knit crowd presided over by the beautiful Lena. As her brothers prepare to fight for the White Guard, friends charge in from the riotous streets amidst an atmosphere of heady chaos, quaffing vodka, keeling over, declaiming, taking baths, playing guitar, falling in love.
But the new regime is poised and in its brutal triumph lies destruction for the Turbins and their world.
NT Associate Howard Davies directs this major new production of The White Guard, featuring a fantastic NT ensemble cast.
Andrew Upton's fresh and vibrant adaptation of Maxim Gorky's Philistines received great critical acclaim at the National in 2007.
Read more
- Terry Gilliam writes about Bulgakov in the Sunday Times
- Misha Glenny in praise of Bulgakov in the Financial Times
Please note, the seating plan that applies to performances of The White Guard until 12 April is below:
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