Background
Benois, Nikolai was born on May 2, 1901 in St.Petersburg. Son of the distinguished artist, Aleksandr Benois.
Benois, Nikolai was born on May 2, 1901 in St.Petersburg. Son of the distinguished artist, Aleksandr Benois.
Studied under his father. Studied under his father.
Began working as a stage designer in 1920 for the Petrograd Bolshoi Drama Theatre. Left Russia for Western Europe in 1924. In Paris met Nikita Baliev, a theatrical producer, who was the principal director of a theatre on the Champs Elysees, and began working for him.
Met A.Sanin, who offered him a job as a stage designer at La Scala in Milan. Decorator and stage designer at La Scala for 40 years. Took Italian citizenship in 1937 in order to continue working and living in Italy.
In 1964 went with La Scala to the Soviet Union on the invitation of the Bolshoi Theatre. Stage designer of over 200 productions.