Russian Drama Studio Theatre
The purpose of the Project is:
- to create a studio theatrical enterprise providing performances in Russian with simultaneous English translation, whose repertoire will feature theatre productions based on the works by Russian authors, such as A. Pushkin, F. Dostoyevsky, N. Gogol, A. OstrovskyL.Tolstoy, V. Nabokov, and other great Russian authors;
- to arrange video screening of films with English translation (primarily based on Russian classical works);
- to arrange meetings and benefit performances by leading Russian experts and artists from the fields of theatre, cinema and TV translated into foreign languages;
- to film Russian stage productions with translation into English and other foreign languages.
The Project is intended to attract foreign visitors ( primarily diplomatic corps, foreign business offices, tourists, students, businessmen), as well as the general public of St. Petersburg, the North-West region and Moscow and acquaint them with the works of Russian playwrights and the theater work of modern Russian actors, directors an scenic designers. It is also intended to bring greater world attention to the Russian and St Petersburg stage through the electronic medium of digital filming and the Internet.
The Project is Unique
Main characteristics of the Project are as follows:
Theatre productions will be translated into foreign languages by experienced and creative interpreters simultaneously (via personal radio headsets). This is a unique opportunity for foreign guests to go beyond enjoyment of great Russian music and ballet, and to experience the glorious dramatic art of Russia as well. This work is not currently being done on a great scale either in St.Petersburg or in Russia.
Cinema/-theatre/ TV productions will be created by Russian professional experts and artists. These would not be filmed versions of plays, but live video records of plays in actual time, suitable for enjoyment by spectators as well as for study by theatrical students and professionals. It will allow many foreigners for the first time to appreciate modern Russian stage techniques.
Cinema productions will be digitally recorded and suitable for use on the Internet in order to provide a broader audience for the work of Russian stage.
Potential income from the sales of tickets for stage productions and video/cinema showings and from the sale of video products will be used to further the ends of the project.
We are presently undertaking the following:
In conjunction with the well-known club Fish Fabrique /Pushkinskaya street, 10/, we have organized video screenings of modern Russian films and theatre productions, with simultaneous translation into English.
A visa support agreement has been negotiated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to cultural tours to St. Petersburg for students of foreign film- and theatre- schools and other young creative artists interested in Russian theatre.
Currently, we are negotiating with travel companies, foreign business centers, leading theatres of St. Petersburg in order to include dramatic productions into the cultural programs available to foreign guests to the city.
We have arranged for the necessary technical equipment for the screenings at the Fish Fabrique and other venues in accordance with the agreement between the "Theatre-Studio" and Mr. Popov V.A., general director of the "Syn" Co. Also provision of future technical equipment for the Theatre-Studio is being negotiated with the Board of directors of the "Viking" Co.
As the first step in producing our series "Russian Drama" we are in the process of shooting a digital film version of the "Classic Theatre" stage production of "The Dream of the Ridiculous Man" starring Leonid Mozgovoy, 1999 best actor National Prize "Golden Aries" winner.
We feel that "The Dream of the Ridiculous Man," based on Dostoyevsky's short story, is a fitting production on the eve of the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg.
Professors and lecturers at universities and "Dostoyvensky-scientists around the world have highly praised this production as one of the most Petersburgian in spirit", and as "a production, in which Dostoyevsky's spirituality becomes materially tangible."
Sergei Astakhov, one of the leading Russian directors of photography, in association with theatre director Ludmila Martynova directed the video version of the play. V.G. Gasilov, art director was in charge of scenic and decorative design.
An application for financial support has been made to the Committee of Culture of the St. Petersburg Administration. We are thankful for the consideration and support of Mr. V.I. Shitarev, vice-governor of St. Petersburg and Mrs. N.I. Batazhok, chairman of the Administration's Committee on preparations for celebrating the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg in 2003.
The current estimated cost for project is 2,786,228 rubles ($87,976.).
If you would like to become involved in the project and offer financial support in the initial stages of the video filming of "The Dream of the Ridiculous Man" and help to launch the theatre center for completion of the video series "Russian Drama" you can contact us at the e-mail address below or visit us at our Web site.
We look forward to your cooperation .
Our kindest regards,
Galina Perveyeva
General Director of the Russian Drama Studio Theatre
e-mail: russiandrama@inbox.ru
http://russiandrama.home.att.net
Tel. +7 (812) 167-08-27
"Russian Drama" includes :
1. Belousov A.A. - Rector of the St. Petersburg University of Cinema and TV
2. Gitelman L.I. - Head of Foreign Theatre Chair of the St. Petersburg Theatre
Arts Academy .
3. Kuzin V.I. - lecturer of Journalism Department of the State University of St.
Petersburg .
4. Bozhko S.A. - Head of Cinema Department of the Committee of Culture of the St. Petersburg Administration