Boris Romashov

Born June 18 (30), 1895, in St. Petersburg; died May 6, 1958, in Moscow. Soviet Russian dramatist and critic. Honored Art Worker of the RSFSR (1949).

Born into a family of actors, Romashov studied at Moscow University. He acted and directed from 1916 and worked as a journalist from 1922. His first important drama was Fed’ka, the Esaul (1924), which dealt with the Civil War of 1918–20. Romashov greatly contributed to the development of Soviet satirical drama with his comedies The Meringue (1925) and The End of Krivoryl’sk (Toward Dawn; 1926), both of which were staged at the Theater of the Revolution. Although these comedies exposed ideological apostates and philistines, they also depicted positive characters. The drama The Fiery Bridge (1929, Malyi Theater) dealt with the fate of the intelligentsia during the revolution. Romashov is also the author of the plays The Heroes’ Followers (1933), The Fighters (1933), Home (1938), The Stars Cannot Be Extinguished (1942), and A Distinguished Name (1943). In the play Great Strength (1947; State Prize of the USSR; 1948, Malyi Theater), Romashov sought to depict the conflict of ideas among Soviet scientists. His best plays were noted for their clear characterizations, civic enthusiasm, theatrical effectiveness, and acuity of subject matter. Romashov also wrote articles about the theater and dramaturgy.

Romashov was awarded three orders and various medals.