Slavutsky: “Small party in theater world happening now”
Alexander Slavutsky, the artistic director and director of the Kachalov Theatre in Kazan, recently held a meeting to reflect on the season’s accomplishments. With 33 years of experience at the theatre, he emphasized his commitment to the institution’s growth and success. During the session, he candidly expressed his views on the current state of the theatre industry and shared insights on how he is revitalizing classic productions with fresh perspectives.
Slavutsky lamented the trend of individuals managing multiple theatres simultaneously, describing it as a form of “bacchanalia” in the industry. He criticized the practice of spreading oneself too thin across various projects, citing examples of colleagues who juggled multiple theatre roles. Despite various offers to work in different theatres, he remained loyal to Kachalov, highlighting the importance of building a unified artistic vision within a single institution.
Throughout the season, the Kachalov Theatre staged 373 shows for over 155,000 spectators, achieving an impressive 97.12% occupancy rate. Slavutsky closely monitored attendance and audience reactions, emphasizing the significance of engaging with the public’s response. The theatre premiered two productions, including Henrik Ibsen’s “Ghosts” and “Love for Three Oranges” based on Carlo Gozzi’s work, which garnered positive feedback from both children and adult audiences.
In addition to these productions, the theatre hosted the Kachalovsky Festival, welcoming guests from esteemed theatre companies and facilitating artistic exchanges. Slavutsky underscored the importance of showcasing quality theatre to audiences while fostering collaborative relationships with other industry professionals. He highlighted the challenges of managing the theatre’s repertoire across different stages, emphasizing the need for strategic planning to optimize artistic output.
Looking ahead, Slavutsky outlined plans for upcoming productions, including a revamped staging of “The Cherry Orchard” with updated scenography and a fresh cast. The theatre director expressed his vision for reimagining classic works to appeal to contemporary audiences while preserving the essence of the original narratives. He also discussed plans to refresh “The Threepenny Opera” with new casting and production elements to enhance the overall theatrical experience.
Despite the complexities of managing multiple productions and stages, Slavutsky remains dedicated to nurturing young talent within the theatre. He emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for emerging artists while upholding the theatre’s legacy of artistic excellence. By collaborating with a diverse array of creatives and maintaining a steadfast commitment to quality, the Kachalov Theatre continues to thrive under Slavutsky’s leadership.