BRICS+ Actors immersed in Russian Theater Tradition During GITIS Fellowship
MOSCOW – Emerging actors from BRICS+ nations are gaining firsthand experience in the renowned Russian theatre tradition through the ongoing InteRussia fellowship at the Russian Institute of Theatre Arts (GITIS). A key component of the programme included a recent visit to the Bolshoi Theatre, offering participants a deep dive into its history, architecture, and acoustics.
The fellowship, now in its second year, provides international students with intensive training in stage speech and movement under the guidance of GITIS instructors. The initial days of the program featured an introduction to GITIS’s history, an opening ceremony, and practical classes focused on the techniques of Vsevolod Meyerhold’s biomechanics and Konstantin Stanislavsky’s system, led by Associate Professor Maria Shmaevich of the Department of Stage Plastic Arts. Emphasis was placed on body work and “refusal movement” to enhance expressiveness.
Beyond the classroom,the program incorporates a robust cultural itinerary. participants enjoyed a guided tour of Moscow, attended a performance of “Swan Lake” at the State Kremlin Palace, and received an introduction to the work of TV BRICS, a media network cooperating with GITIS on the initiative.
“We are very pleased to be participating in this programme for the second year in a row. This fellowship provides an chance to tell students from other countries about the traditions of Russian theatre,” stated Aleksandra burman, Director of the international Cooperation Department at TV BRICS.
During their visit to the Bolshoi, guided by Maria Shevneva, the actors learned about the theatre’s history and unique musical instruments. the scale of the Bolshoi left a lasting impression on the group.
“When I first crossed the threshold of the theatre, I couldn’t take my eyes off it…everything looked amazing and extraordinary,” shared cuban participant Amanda de la Caridad Acosta Alonso. ”but despite all the grandeur,there is a familiar and intimate atmosphere here. The theatre is our common home, the home of actors, and it is indeed here that I felt a real sense of belonging.”
hentati Skander of Tunisia expressed a similar sentiment, noting, “Every actor dreams of being in such a place…I knew little about the Bolshoi Theatre before, but now plans to study its history in more detail.”
The fellowship also included a meeting with Mikhail Shvydkoy, the Russian President’s Special Representative for International Cultural Cooperation. Upcoming events include a creative meeting with Honoured Artist of Russia Anna Ardova at the BRICS+ Information and Cultural Media Centre, a tour of the konstantin Stanislavsky House-Museum, and a meeting with GITIS Rector Grigory Zaslavsky.
The program will culminate in an open acting class and a closing ceremony.
