Theatre project by Christian Franke
In October 1866, Fyodor Dostoyevsky finds himself in a seemingly hopeless situation. He has entered into a desperate contract with the publisher Stellowski out of a need for money: He is to deliver to him exclusively by November 1 a new novel of ten printed sheets, thus clearing his gambling debts. But 26 days before the deadline, Dostoevsky has not written a single word. A professor friend then sends him his student Anna Grigorievna. The young woman is not only educated, but also a gifted stenographer. Dramatic weeks follow, resulting in both the required novel and the poet's marriage to Anna, who is twenty-five years younger. But even the honeymoon abroad becomes another flight from creditors. Fyodor and Anna travel to the German spas to play roulette, and also take up quarters in Wiesbaden.
Based on the novel "The Gambler", as well as contemporary documents, letters and (auto-)biographical material, the project in the Kurhaus Wiesbaden - an authentic site of the event - aims to get to the bottom of the phenomenon of sacrifice in artistic processes.
Text source and further information about this event: http://www.wiesbaden.de/microsite/kurhaus/index.php
