Abstract: The subject of this research is the image of Boris Godunov viewed in three different aspects in the eponymous drama by A. S. Pushkin and in the opera by M. P. Mussorgsky. The goal consist in description of multifacetedness and complexity of image of the Tsar, as well as his main traits in representation of the poet and the composer, which helps the performers in staging the opera “Boris Godunov”. A comparative analysis of drama and opera is conducted in accordance with the tree main categories: philosophical-aesthetic foundation, psychological portrait, peculiarities of social environment and place of the hero therein. The main conclusions consist in determination of the important sides of possible interpretation of the image of Tsar as: 1) basic philosophical idea that underlies the entire play, and thus defines the role of Godunov in the artistic concept of stage director and actor; 2) key psychological traits that set the emotional tone for the image of Tsar Boris Godunov; 3) nature and specificity of relations between the protagonist and other characters. The scientific novelty of this article is defined by an attempt to determine the key trends in creating an artistic image of the hero by means of theoretical analysis of representations on protagonist in the drama by A. S. Pushkin and opera by M. P. Mussorgsky. The author believes that the range of qualities and traits imposed by these prominent upon Boris Godunov would help the novice actors to find the key to their unique interpretation of this character.

Abstract: The subject of this study is the interpretation of Boris Godunov's part in the opera of the same name by M.P. Mussorgsky by two Bulgarian opera stars: B. Hristov and N. Giaurov, as well as their approach to working on this role. Aiming to reveal the main semantic accents of the interpretation of the title part of the opera "Boris Godunov", the author analyzed reviews and essays of opera critics, biographical works of researchers of the singers' creativity, as well as memoirs of their contemporaries and interviews with the artists themselves as research material. The relevance of the presented work is seen in the need to carefully study the world performing heritage of the opera scene, which will create the basis for new, worthy interpretations. According to the results of the research, the author came to the conclusion that Christ's main semantic emphasis in the interpretation of the party is placed on the lofty, worthy aspirations of the tsar, who, being a dreamer and a knight, sought to exalt and strengthen his state, but fell victim to boyar resistance and the inexorable course of Russian history. Giaurov does not justify Godunov at all, although he forms the image of an awe-inspiring and admiring sovereign - monumental, domineering and proud. If Hristov, following Mussorgsky, saw in Tsar Boris a man crushed by power, then for Giaurov, as for Pushkin, the image of a tsar who subordinated everything human in himself to his main goal - power is closer.