Finns jazz up Dostoevsky for stage

The novels of Russian writer Fyodor Dostoevesky have been reworked in a new stage play by Finnish director Kristian Smeds. Latvian actress Aldona Bendarute stars in the production, which gives the psychological masterpieces a new twist.

The new play, called “Sad songs from the heart of Europe”, is being staged at the New European Theatre Festival in Moscow.  It's the third time Smeds has presented work at the festival.

It's a one-woman show, with Aldona Bendarute playing four different characters. 

“This is not just a fresh look at Dostoevsky…it's a jazz theme…we wanted to improvise on his novels,” Bendarute said.