November 29th, 2010 
Paata and Irina Tsikurishvili in Synetic Theater's "The Master and Margarita." Photo credit: Graeme B. Shaw.
Washington, DC’s Synetic Theater is synonymous with innovation. Last month, the gutsy theatre company showcased a new production complete with a water set, King Arthur, that impressed the Capital Sophisticate and audiences around the metro-DC area. But if you thought that Synetic Theater went as far as they could go with obscure music, outlandish plots, bold lighting, and extravagant costumes, think again. The Master and Margarita not only unites the talented power couple, Paata and Irina Tsikurishvili, but also seamlessly blends revered literature with eye-popping theatrics in a relentlessly fast-moving production.
Based on Soviet novelist Mikhail Bulgakov’s 1930′s anti-totalitarian novel, The Master and Margarita is Roland Reed’s adaptation of a long-censored saga of free thought and religion presented in allegorical form.
It only makes sense that the husband and wife Synetic co-founders Paata and Irina Tsikurshvili would explore artistic struggle in an oppressive society, as both are immigrants of the Republic of Georgia, a former occupant of the Soviet Union. For the past few years, Paata was only seen at the front of the house acting as artist director for the company, while his wife Irina frequently took the stage as the resident choreographer and actress in many productions. But as the title characters in The Master and Margarita, the Tsikurshvili’s chemistry is simply electric. In what is perhaps the most touching scene in the production, the soon-to-be exiled Master pens his daring Christian book with his lover and muse, Margarita. While Synetic company members clad in scroll-like tunics danced across the stage, the Tsikurshvilis moved in unison to Konstantine Lortkipanidze’s original music.
Paata and Irina Tsikurshvili’s The Master and Margarita is best described as controlled chaos. As the title characters embark on a spiritual journey, the audience is introduced to a series of slithering hell-bound creatures that are just down-right weird. From Voland (played by Armand Sindoni), a bald, bearded character who personifies the devil himself, to Behemoth (Philip Fletcher), a cat walking upright, to a nasty contortionist minion named Azazello, played by Alex Mills, this grotesque gang of characters seek to entertain while reeking havoc on the title characters.
Any Synetic Theater production is a transformative experience and Master is no different. Be sure to add the Tsikurshvili’s latest production to your must-see list.
Performances run until December 12, 2010 at the Lansburgh Theatre, 450 7th Street NW, Washington DC 20004.
