All the Chekhov

So, Saturday morning started out with another wonderful installment of movement with the magical Vladimir.  This time, we started in on some of the acrobatic work he does with us.  It's pretty amazing how readily we just jump into standing on each other.  Or rather, how readily THEY jump into standing on each other.  This is the point when I fade back to become the photographer more than the participant.  But I'm still rockin' out Russian Dumpling, Scorpion, and I've almost got that shoulder stand! So I'm feeling pretty good.

Acting class was a little short on Saturday because of an early curtain time for the show (which I'll get to in a moment).  So the group did a cute etude about being elves and a machine in Santa's factory.  We also learned that in Russia, the elves are not called elves, but midgets.  So that's a fun cultural fact for ya.  They did some work, and then spent the second part of the class discussing The Seagull with Sergei... and let me tell you: I love listening to Sergei talk about Chekhov.  He understands these scripts so deeply, and his insights are so playable and vivid... I could listen to him dissect these plays all damn day.  It's so effin' cool!  Then we had a brief dinner break before meeting up with the Butler group and heading over to the Satirikon for one of my favorite things in the world: their production of The Seagull.  Four and a half hours of non-stop emotional and intellectual energy just exploding out of every seam of every actor... it's unbelievable.  And I was seated right on the aisle (or rather, right in the aisle), so when Treplev came out into the aisle to watch the performance of his play, he came right over to me, blew fake snow on me, and just hovered over my shoulder for a while.  I may or may not have died a little from sheer happiness.  And even though I've seen this show four times... and even though I've taken copious notes on every production I've seen... I am still awed by every moment.  I still weep at the end.  I still soar along with the actors through this crazy exorcism of everything that this play has ever meant in its century or so of existence.  I just... I freaking love this show!

Then we headed home and I did a little skyping with my mom and my niece.  My niece, it turns out, was concerned that I was here by myself... without my kitties... so I had to assure her that I had my students with me.  She insisted that she see my students.  So I walked her around the dorm and she got to meet a couple of them... which was adorable.

Sunday morning I got up early to head over to Starbucks for my weekly skype date with my Giant Ginger, which was delightful, as always.  Oh... so homesick!  Then I headed back to the dorm to met up with the group for our annual trip to Chekhov's estate in Melikhovo, a town about two hours south of Moscow.  Oddly, we ended up getting there early, so they took us on a brief sojourn to a holy spring that beautiful and crisp and super cold... it was a nice little side trip.  Then we hit the main attraction: Chekhov's home and grounds.  It was a lovely tour, a lovely day, everyone was super jazzed to get the feeling for Chekhov's world... it was delightful!

Once we arrived home, we had a couple of hours before our weekly potluck, then we did a little choreography for singing class tomorrow, and finally headed off to our respective rooms for some well earned quiet time!  Heading into the last week is always bittersweet... this year's group has been wonderful, and I have no doubt that they're going to rock out this final week and be all kinds of awesome, and we'll be sad to leave... but I've got a whole lot of life waiting for me at home, and I'm eager to get back to it!  So I'll treasure the next nine days... but I'll treasure what's coming next too!

June 21 - 11275 Steps 3.56 Miles
June 22 - 10589 Steps  3.34 Miles

Dead Souls

This morning the group had Stage Combat first thing... and then nothing until acting at 3:00.  And, since I don't participate in stage combat, I just stayed home, slept in a bit, took a shower, worked on edits for my dissertation, finished phase one of an editing project for a friend that I've been working on, and made lunch.  The me time was highly beneficial.  It was a super productive morning.  And I would very much like to get addicted to that kind of productivity.  That might make this whole dissertation thing slightly less terrifying.

Anyway, after my awesome me time, I headed down to class, where the group came up with an amazing etude about aliens... seriously... this was creative and cohesive and cool... I think they really rocked this one out.  And they did good work in the rest of class too.  I'm getting the feeling that this last week of class is going to be full of really exciting work.  I'm looking forward to observing it!

After class, we met up and headed off to the Gogol Center for their production of Мёртвые ду́ши (Dead Souls).  This is a fairly new theatre, and the show itself is listed as a premiere (which can mean a lot of different things in the Russian theatre system, but at the very least, it's the newest work by a very cool director).  The theatre itself has an amazing, open, creative, inviting vibe that just made me want to play.  There are images of and quotes by famous theatre folks all over the place, the exposed brick is awesome, the actual performance space is somehow cavernous and intimate at the same time... it's sort of perfect.  And one of the most interesting differences we noted while we were there was that all the ticket staff were young people - probably in their 20s.  At every other theatre, those jobs are held almost exclusively by little old ladies.  But here, everyone was hip and young and energetic.  It was interesting.  And the play itself... I hardly know what to say about it.  It was a fascinating, imaginative, and undeniably alive performance of what is, frankly, a pretty boring play on the surface.  But this was definitely not boring.  Oh!  And the interesting twist was that this performance featured English supertitles, which I thought was going to be awesome, and in some ways it was.  But the fact is, I have gotten so accustomed to watching shows in Russian and making my own meaning out of the acting and visuals, that I found the desire to take my eyes off the stage to read the words a little distracting.  I probably missed a lot by doing that.  But the play probably would have been fairly opaque without them (even considering the sort of adorable typos, strange translations and technical difficulties).  All in all, the show wasn't up there on my list of favorite shows or anything, but it was wildly creative, I was totally transfixed... and I seriously want to live at the Gogol Center.

From there, it was back to the homestead... and off to sleep before Vladimir has his way with us in the morning.

11859 Steps
3.74 Miles

The Cherry Orchard

Today started out with a weird personal moment.  At the end of the flight from Amsterdam to Moscow, I noticed that one of my rings was missing.  It didn't really make sense, but the ring is usually a little loose, so I figured it just managed to fall off somehow.  A bit of a bummer, but not a big deal.  Then, this morning, I FOUND THE RING... in my bed.  Now, the logical side of me knows that, obviously, it fell into one of my bags, and was eventually jostled free in all of the ins and outs of the crap that I carry around from day to day.  But the irrational part of me can't help but imagine some sort of crazy, KLM-based poltergeist that has been waiting for just the right moment to return the ring... and then maybe make a mess or something.  I don't really know what poltergeist do.  I'm terrified of that movie.

Anyway, back to the real world...

The morning started out with ballet and then singing, both of which were a little humbling, as both teachers chose today to remind the class that they can't get too comfortable - they have to keep pushing themselves.  It's always hard to hear, but it's also great to hear.  Acting was much more fun, as the group really brought a lot of wonderful energy and creativity to their work today.  And whole class wrapped up with a wonderful group activity that actually made this sentimental sap a little teary watching it.  So go team!  Make this last week and a half count!

After class we all scattered for dinner and then met back to hop the subway to the Sovremennik Theatre for a production of Вишневый Сад (The Cherry Orchard).  It was an interesting show, because it was probably the most traditional thing we'll see all month.  It's a very straightforward production - sort of exactly what you would expect a Chekhov play to look like.  It's not mind blowing, but I think it's good for the group to see a simple performance telling a the story with straight up psychological realism - no real bells of whistles to speak of, just good, solid acting.  Also... to give an added understanding of the way Russian theatre works... I'm pretty sure this production opened in 1997.  Yeah.

When we got back to the dorm, a handful of us finished off the night by reading aloud the first two acts of The Seagull, which the acting class will be focusing on for the rest of the month... and which we'll also be seeing on Saturday (be still my heart!).

13183 Steps
4.16 Miles

Lady with the Lapdog

Today started out with movement class... and as sore as I was after the last one, I wasn't really sure how well that was going to go, but it ended up being wonderful, as is always the case. We got into shoulder stands, a pose lovingly called "Scorpion," balancing on chairs... it was delightful.

After lunch, we had an interesting acting class which involved a pretty hilarious improv game that went well enough that I really wished I could teach an improv class with this group.  Then, after a creepy spider etude, the group started into observation etudes, which are always difficult, but always an amazing learning opportunity.  It's hard enough creating the inner life of a stapler or a raccoon, but to have to do a full-fledged human being... that's much tougher.

After class, the other grad student (Brandon) and I headed over to a theatre known as МТЮЗ for a production of Дама с Собачкой (The Lady with the Lap Dog).  It's based on a short story by good ol' Anton Chekhov.  I actually saw the production three years ago, so it was very cool to see it again.  The lady was actually a different actress this time (different from the one in the photo), but she was absolutely effervescent.  It's kind of a talky play, but it also is so simple, clear and theatrical in its story telling... it's just lovely.  The whole thing is performed on the balcony level of a much larger theatre space.  So the stage is actually on the front of the balcony, and actors readily hop off the edge into the vast space beyond (or rather, the balcony beneath them).  And they use the strange little space they have so very well!  The lighting is minimal - sometimes only one light would even be on at a time, yet it helped tell so much of the story.  And, when the scene shifted to an opera performance, they turned on the huge, beautiful light fixtures of the theatre proper, which was such a genius way to incorporate the space.  In addition to the two lovers, there were two sort of clown characters who brought props in and out, danced, commented on the action... did whatever was needed.  And they were wonderful.  The whole show really was.  And may I just say... it was pretty darn sexy, too... but without a single bit of nudity or even a single kiss.  In fact, there was hardly any actual physical contact.  But wow... the staging was all kinds of creative and evocative.

Afterwards, it was back to the dorm for a quiet night.  We don't really have many of those left... so I'm enjoying it.

Oh... and WE HAVE WIFI BACK!  HUZZAH!

10810 Steps
3.41 Miles 

Our Town

This morning (June 17) started out without much fanfare.  Most of us headed out a bit early so that we could get some internet time at Starbucks before class, what with our dorm being without.  At home, when the internet goes down, it’s a bit of a pain, but I’ve got my 4G, I’ve got my phone… I’ve got other ways to contact people.  But here, wi-fi is all we have.  And without wi-fi… it’s a little bit frustrating and a little bit unsettling to be along on an island.  Apparently the person who is in charge of the wi-fi in the dorms was defending his final project today, so we’re hoping that went well for him, so that he’ll be in the mood to fix our wi-fi tomorrow.

For theatre history today, rather than the portrait gallery of the MXAT, we were shuttled up a few floors in a tiny elevator four people at a time, and we ended up holding class in a conference room that is part of the office of Oleg Tabakov, the artistic director of the Moscow Art Theatre, and a much beloved Russian film actor as well.  He’s kind of a big deal… and the room certainly bears that out.  The rich colors, fancy art, historical books, big leather chairs… it was pretty intimidating.  But it also ended up being kind of wonderfully intimate, as about 30 of us huddled around the table with Anatoly Smeliansky at the head, spinning yarns about Stanislavsky as if they were old pals.

After class, I had a little adventure with one of the students, as we went to a specialty orthotic store to buy her some arch supports in hopes of quelling some foot pain she’s been dealing with.  So… now that’s something I’ve done.  It was definitely easier than the late night urgent care trip last year, so I’ll take it.

Acting class was interesting today, as they started off with a cool, balletic etude about a snowman who fell in love with the sun.  Quite tragic, as you might imagine.  Then there was a fascinating storytelling exercise that wasn’t particularly successful, but was extremely illuminating.  This was followed up by a snake and a mouse, a sloth, a pelican, a cat, a baboon, a butterfly, and an army of fire ants. 

Then… came tonight’s show. And I have to say, it was really something.  Tonight we saw Наш Городок (Our Town).  It was particularly cool for several reasons.  First of all, the undergrad company did Our Town earlier this year, and four of the actors from that production are on the trip with us, not to mention the director – our fearless leader, JT.  Second, this production was directed by our deal Ilja, who is teaching most of our acting class this year.  And finally, this performance was the final performance that the fourth year class would be giving together – their very last one!  And, on top of all that, it was absolutely remarkable.  They took a quintessential American play (that usually runs just shy of three hours with two intermissions) and brought it to exuberant life on stage in less than two hours (with no intermission).  The acting was incredible, the company was utterly together, the precision of their pantomime along with the sounds that were used was all but unreal.  The cuts were great – they really made the play sail along.  And oh wow… did this show make us cry.  There we all were, sitting in the front row, hanging on every word (that we didn’t know, and yet completely knew) and weeping openly.  I know it puzzles the Russian actors that we can be so moved by a play without speaking the language, but between our familiarity with this script, and their excellent, invested and imaginative production… it was all we could do to pull ourselves together enough to walk home.

Of course, the walk home didn’t happen until after some of the students introduced themselves to some of the cast members and ended up getting the group invited to the class’s graduation party.  Ah, those outgoing American kids!

Then… well… it was a quiet evening at home… since internet is still just not a thing for us.

You know, when I was in college, I lived in Austria for a whole summer one year, and we didn’t have internet.  We had to go to internet cafes, if memory serves.  And I would call my parents collect once every other week or so.  What a difference a decade (and then some) makes.

16129 Steps

5.09 Miles

Swan Lake

This morning (June 16) started off with a little scheduling snafu – both we and the group from Butler University had the same morning schedule.  But since we had switched last time that happened, they went ahead and switched this time.  So we had a delightful morning of singing with Marina (observed, of course, by JT, Margaret (his wife), and John (the department chair)).  The trio that she assigned me and two other girls went… ok.  She remarked that it is a very difficult piece, and that, though the group from Harvard earlier this year had had three months with it, they hadn’t gotten it as well as we have in just two weeks… so that was a nice little ego boost.  Still… we have a long way to go on it.  Some of those harmonies just aren’t happening.  Ah, singer problems.  I miss having singer problems.

No tickets to be found at the Bolshoi... but I did find a selfie!

After singing, the group headed off to ballet, and I headed out in search of tickets.  I grabbed two tickets for me and the other grad student to a tiny show at an interesting theater for Wednesday.  I’ll write more about it then.  But we’ll be going with JT, John and Margaret, so that will be fun.  Then I headed down to the Bolshoi to try to get tickets to Carmen for a few students who were willing to cough up the dough for that kind of ticket.  Unfortunately, they ended up being sold out, so there will be no Bolshoi for them.  It saves them the money though, and that’s probably good in the long run.  What’s not so good is that this trek and my sandals decided not to cooperate today, which means I ended up with GIANT blisters covering the bottoms of both of my heels.  It would turn out to be a very rough rest of the day for my tootsies.

Acting brought us another day with Sergei, which is always so much fun.  Since he’s the teacher with whom I have spent the most time in Russia (other than Ilja), he really sort of IS Russia for me in a lot of ways.  His insight and warmth and creativity are just so exciting.  I love me some Sergei!  And he had a lot to say about today’s bearded dragon, chimpanzee, flamingo, lion, giraffe, porcupine and prairie dog.  And before all of that, Ilja really took them through the paces of all the exercises we have done this far – probably to show off a bit for our department chair.  And the kids really stepped up. They did a great job of maintaining focus through all of it!  Go them!  Plus, I got another big hug and kiss from Sergei… which just makes me feel so cool.  Knowing that this amazing Russian theatre master cares about me makes me feel so connected to this crazy Russian theatre lineage.  Seriously… where’s my citizenship?!

After dinner, we all met up for the very short walk to the Stanislavsky/Nemirovich-Danchenko Music Theatre’s production of Лебединое Озеро (Swan Lake).  Now, this theatre is gorgeous, these dancers are some of the best in the world, and I completely recognize the aesthetic beauty and the remarkable skill of the performance… but I confess that I find ballet boring.  All the Victorian melodrama gestures and the ten minutes of jumping to say hello… it’s just not the way I would choose to tell a story.  Still… it was beautiful, so there’s that.  I had a seat across the balcony from the rest of the group, so I was sort of on my own, taking it all in.  Throughout the course of the night, I answered a Russian woman’s question about the performance, I answered an American couple’s question about the theatre, and I eavesdropped on some Brits sitting behind me who sat there complaining about Americans (most notably, and American ex-pat who had to keep talking about how he’s not REALLY American.  I have some news for you, pal, you’re being “that obnoxious American” right the hell now).  It was a pretty pleasant experience overall.  And I had a great view of the bored-looking, hairy, middle-aged Russian percussionist who just plain looked awesome when he had to play the triangle… which he had to do a lot, and with great gusto.

I could see the rest of my group... and most of the stage... from my seat

After the show, I put on my goin’ out shoes (that is, my sneakers) and went with the group to a nearby bar to celebrate the 21^st birthday of one of the students.  We didn’t stay out long, but it was a delightful evening nonetheless.  I intended to post about this upon returning home, but internet has been down all night… and continues to be so the next morning… so we’re a little screwed where that is concerned.  It’s a very stranded feeling to have absolutely no access to communication whatsoever.  So hopefully they will be able to get this fixed soon.   

23691 Steps

7.48 Miles

Much Ado

Part of "the gulling scene" from Much Ado
at the Pushkin Theatre

Today (June 15) was supposed to be our boat ride down the Moscow River, but the incessant rain made that a no-go.  So pretty much everyone just stayed inside all day – many sleeping off the late night they had the night before (nothing illicit folks – just a little good old fashioned clubbing).  I skyped in the morning with Brian (did my parental skype Saturday night, so they didn't have to stay up so late).  Then I worked a bit on my dissertation, and then finally, at 6:00 we all gathered to head back to the Pushkin Theatre for their production of Многа Шума из Ничего (Much Ado About Nothing).  This is a production I had seen two years ago, and I really like it.  There’s something distinctly Western about it – it doesn’t feel as Russian as the other shows we see.  And that, perhaps, is a symptom of the fact that the show was actually developed while the company studied in England with Declan Donnelan (or so JT tells me).  But whatever the case, it is an energetic, music-filled, sparkling show.  And the couple who played Beatrice and Benedick were the main couple from Good Person of Szechwan just two nights before.  All the roles that these people must have in their heads!  And how brilliantly and fully they play all of them! It’s so impressive and inspiring.  How I wish I could do rep theatre with a resident company…

After the show, I did a bunch of internet searching to see if I could find the music from the show. It’s all performed by a Russian band called Группа W/ (the W band).  But they don’t seem to have much of a web presence after about two years ago.  It took a lot of weird websites before I was finally successful though!  I was able to actually find some of this music that I’ve loved since I saw the show two years ago!  So that was a little personal triumph over technology for me.  Huzzah!

Aside from an evening of internet and laundry, we also had a quick potluck after the show (minus the pot… we pretty much just had chips and cookies and candy) to check in after the week and to welcome the chair of our department as well as our group leader JT’s wife to Moscow – they had both flown in that morning.  It was a fairly pleasant evening.  I am really enjoying this group and their enthusiasm, and it will be good for our department chair to see their awesome work this week!

10319 Steps

3.26 Miles