Yavorska, Lydia (1869–1921)

views updated

Yavorska, Lydia (1869–1921)

Russian-born actress and manager. Name variations: Lidia Yavorska, Princess Bariatinsky, Lady Pollock. Born Lidia Borisovna von Hübbenet, July 23, 1869, in Kiev, Russia; died Sept 3, 1921, in Brighton, Sussex, England; m. Prince Vladimir Bariatinsky, 1896 (div. 1916); m. Sir Frederick John Pollock, 4th baronet, 1920.

Made stage debut at the Korsch Theater, Moscow, as Marguerite Gautier in La Dame aux Camelias (1894); appeared at the Théâtre Litteraire, St. Petersburg (1895–1900); founded her own theater, the New Theatre Yavorska, St. Petersburg, appearing there in such roles as Madame Sans-Gêne, Nora in A Doll's House, Magda, Zaza, L'Aiglon, Hedda, Rebecca in Rosmersholm, Ellida Wangel in The Lady from the Sea, Candida, Cleopatra, Lady Macbeth, and in leading parts in her 1st husband's plays; toured with her own company throughout Russia and Southern Europe; made London debut (1909), English-language debut (1910), then assumed management of the Royalty Theatre (1911), appearing there as Nora in an English-speaking production.