New York never ceases to amaze with its cultural life. Just recently, the entire city was buzzing with Broadway Week and half-price tickets to top shows — and now comes a new premiere that promises to be a major event for fans of theatre and Russian classics.
From September 10 to 21, the experimental IATI Theater in the East Village will host The Mutt — an adaptation of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov. But not the entire novel: just a single chapter, The Boys. According to the creators, this chapter alone reflects the essence of the whole book.
“The mutt may be a sign — or a mirror. A trial — or a blessing.”
The title The Mutt refers to the stray dog Zhuchka, whose image becomes a metaphor for faith, redemption, and hope. The production promises a poetic and visual interpretation of Dostoevsky, touching on themes of cruelty, innocence, and the choice to love in a world where love is scarce.
The creators describe the play as a fusion of music, movement, drama, and comedy — theater as both a cry of the soul and a whisper in the dark. It is a production that seeks answers to questions: What do we believe in? What keeps us on the edge? How do we choose love when the world is falling apart?
Creative team
Directors: Anoushka Nesterova and Elena Che (already known to audiences for Theatre Will Not Prepare You For Death, featured last year).
Choreography: Gisela Quinteros, student and dancer of the legendary Douglas Dunn.
Cast: Benjamin Nowak as Kolya Krasotkin, Marcus Troy as Captain Snegiryov (Troy also appeared alongside Will Smith in Enemy of the State). The role of Zhuchka, the devil, will be played by Anoushka Nesterova and Alina Mikhailhevich.
Practical information
Website: www.themutplay.com | Instagram: @anoushkanesterova
📍 Adress: IATI Theater, 64 East 4th Street, New York
Tickets: $55 (available online)
