The fate of each person develops according to an individual scenario. And it is impossible to predict the zigzags of the life path. Happy Angelina Stepanova fell to the lot, and suffering, and great love.
Starting conditions
In the era of political and social disasters, the life of an individual is valued inexpensively. To preserve oneself within the framework of established rules, one needs inner strength and mind. Angelina Iosifovna Stepanova was born on November 23, 1905 in a wealthy family. Parents at that time lived in the distant city of Novonikolaevsk-on-Amur. My father was in the insurance business. He was the son of a captain who drove frigates across the expanses of the Pacific Ocean. Mother, a native Muscovite, worked as a dentist. She was the daughter of the owner of the capital's engineering plant.
At an early age, Angelina was not distinguished by good health. The eldest of three children, she constantly cheated, and they tried to protect her from the loads of household chores. At the same time, she from early nails demonstrated remarkable volitional qualities. By the age of four, she was already reading fluently. She learned many poems and loved to recite them to guests and relatives. At home, the girl was taught by teachers of French and music. When the future actress turned three years old, the family moved to Moscow.
Upon reaching the age of seven, Lina was enrolled in a gymnasium. She studied very mediocre. The most difficult subject for her was mathematics. But she was the best student in dance classes. Stepanova took part in all solemn and entertaining events. She was trusted with the main roles in the performances that were staged on the gymnasium stage. Parents often visited the theater and tried to take their daughter with them. Thanks to such visits, the girl developed a good taste. Most of all she liked to attend ballet.
After graduating from high school, Stepanova decided to get an acting education at the 3rd studio of the Moscow Art Theater, which was called the Shchukin Theater School in those days. It is important to note that these events took place in the early 1920s, when complete devastation reigned in the country. Products were distributed on cards. For actors, vacation rates were lower than for workers in enterprises. The chief director of the theater Evgeny Vakhtangov drew attention to a talented and purposeful student. On occasion, he tried to support her not only with a kind word, but also with a loaf of bread.
On the professional stage
After completing her studies, starting in 1924, Angelina Stepanova served in the troupe of the famous Moscow Art Theater. The first appearance on the stage was not planned. In the production of Princess Turandot, one performer fell ill before the performance. The role is small. Without words - only a few dance steps. Stepanova brilliantly coped with the task. No one even praised her, just in the usual fuss they did not pay attention to an episodic replacement. Then, preparations began for the play based on Charles Dickens's novel “The Battle of Life”. Directed by director Nikolai Mikhailovich Gorchakov.
The next notable stage in the career of the actress was the famous play "Woe from Wit." Angelina played the role of Sophia. Experts and connoisseurs of theatrical art started talking about the young actress. The next production, in which the actress revealed another facet of talent, was the play "Tsar Fedor Ivanovich." This time she was compared with actresses who shone in the role of Princess Miloslavskaya in past years. The reviews followed were different. From unconditional approval to sarcastic attacks in the press.
