Tag Archives: acting

Vakhtangov and the Russian Theatre – Options & Progress

A summary update on the film Vakhtangov and the Russian Theatre and overall progress of the Russian Theatre Film Series. Vakhtangov is now in production with plans to shoot in the house museum of Vakhtangov in Moscow as well as other locations throughout Moscow. Archive footage is almost assembled and script on its way to being finished. As I work through the material the script is opening out and starting to “hang” together better with each refinement. Reading Dostoevsky’s ”The Devils” (or Demons) in parallel with all the research material as a supplement to the atmosphere I would like to create in the film.

There is a possibility of a Vakhtangov event in the UK although this is still undecided but if it does happen we will travel to the UK to film this event and possible conduct some interviews as well. This will either be included in the film or maybe as supplementary material as part of the overall film project.

Another line of action being considered is to raise finance through Kickstarter or Indiegogo although nothing has been decided on this question. Other avenues for finance are being considered as well. One of the advantages of a Kickstarter or Indiegogo campaign is that as well as attracting finance it may raise awareness of the series and for future films in the series which will include another documentary on the influence of carnival on Russian theatre and a feature type adaptation of Blok’s “The Fairground Booth”. Two previous films in the series include: “Meyerhold Theatre and the Russian Avant-garde” and “Stanislavsky and the Russian Theatre”.

Connected with all this we are preparing publicity material – some short films, blog posts and other internet material. Gradually, therefore, bringing all the elements of the project together and blending them together step by step.

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“Chekhov Country” Revisited – a winters tale

Now the holiday is officially over here in Russia its time to take stock and make a few announcements. The long holiday – Christmas and New Year in Russia extends until 14th January ending officially with “old” New Years Day – gave me plenty of time to consolidate my thoughts about future projects and work. Continue reading

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Further Progress on the “Fairground Booth”

Another couple of days of writing and preparing the projects of Vahktangov and Carnival in Russian Theatre. Last night had a meeting  in the centre of Moscow about the main location for filming but as yet there is nothing concrete decided. Firmly back into the Moscow rhythm  after a few weeks in the Russian countryside. Slowly evaluating this period – a productive time of writing and reflection(and chopping firewood). Starting to flesh out a shooting script for “The Fairground Booth” using the Celtx screen writing programme. I am not sure how this will work as the screenplay is an adaptation of a theatrical play but will persevere. Today dosing myself up with lemon tea to try and ward off the Moscow flu.  Autumn weather taking a hold a cold wind whipping around the side streets of Moscow a sure sign that winter is not far away. Awaiting the possibility of Babi Leta (Indian Summer) which often starts around this time but as yet no evidence that it is on its way.

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Finally, after much tweaking and adjusting, the documentary film  “Stanislavsky and the Russian Theatre” has been released on DVD after a successful launch and premiere at the Barn Theatre of the Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performence. The premiere … Continue reading

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