From July 4 to July 6, Kazan became the venue for the Gorky + Art Festival, which included a theater laboratory of directors from the BRICS countries. One of the highlights of the festival was a sketch by Liu Yichen from China in Tatar based on Maxim Gorky's play "Children of the Sun", presented on the stage of the new building of the Galiasgar Kamal Tatar State Academic Theatre.
About working in the BRICS Filmmakers Laboratory
You joined the theatre laboratory of directors of the BRICS countries. How did this happen?
- I was invited to take part, and I immediately agreed. I was interested in this project: rehearsals, interaction with the actors, the process of translating Gorky into Tatar. I chose the play myself, because the most important thing is to find material that resonates. When you read and suddenly see a scene, you realize that it needs to be staged. Of course, working with the Tatar language has become a challenge.
For example, there was a moment where it was necessary to find jokes. The actors were very helpful in adapting the jokes back then - they suggested searching for them directly in Tatar in order to maintain emotional resonance.
You have already worked in Russia, including on a production in Tatar. What are the main difficulties you have as a foreign author?
- Despite the fact that I speak Russian, the main barrier for me is language, of course. And the Tatar language is even more difficult. In my opinion, there were no other difficulties in working with colleagues.
Family values and the commitment to a profession
You graduated from the Faculty of Philology in China, and then came to study in Russia. How did your family react to your choice?
- My family sees no problem for me to study in Russia. However, they had doubts about my decision to stay and work as a director here. This profession is far away and incomprehensible to them, so they worry and, of course, miss me. Like any parent, they would like me to be around.
Interest in Russian literature
You said that you like to read the works of Chekhov, Nabokov, Dostoevsky. How and when did you become interested in Russian literature?
- The love for their works originated a long time ago. In China in the 80s there was a huge interest in Russian literature. For example, when my parents were young, they bought and read books of Russian classics translated into Chinese.
In addition, when I studied at the Faculty of Philology in Beijing, the programme included not only Chinese literature, but also world literature. At that moment, I started reading Russian works and I still reread them.
What attracts you most about the Russian literature?
- The complexity of human being, nostalgia and tenderness for man are especially acutely felt in the works of Russian authors.
How do you assess the Chinese people's interest in the Russian culture in general?
- The Chinese people's interest in the Russian culture is still alive. The Russian literature and art continue to inspire many, including me, my colleagues and friends. The works of the great Russian classics, their deep thoughts and rich images resonate in our hearts till the present day.
You introduce Chinese theatrical elements into productions. How do you adapt them for the Russian audience?
- Yes, sometimes I use some elements. But with the adaptation: the Chinese element itself may be incomprehensible, so I add musical or visual associations that are understandable to the audience. It is important that there is a possibility of contact between the actors and the audience.
Do you work in Chinese theaters?
- Yes, I work, I usually come for a specific project. I will try to use some elements for the theatre in China, and others for the theatre in Russia. But my task as a director is to get a response from the audience. I work for them.
The junction of two cultures
Is there a future for Russian-Chinese theater projects?
- Absolutely. Now that there is a living contact between directors and actors, the future of such projects is becoming real. As a Chinese director in Russia, I really hope so.
What modern trends in art, cinema, and theater are most important for bringing Russia and China closer together?
- Modern trends in art and theatre, which contribute to the rapprochement between Russia and China, are primarily associated with a deep desire to understand human nature. The same is here in the theatre. There are people in the theatre, a lot of people, they need to understand each other. If there is such a desire for understanding and interaction, then everything will definitely work out.
Photo authors: Andrey Gromov, Sergey Elagin
About working in the BRICS Filmmakers Laboratory
You joined the theatre laboratory of directors of the BRICS countries. How did this happen?
- I was invited to take part, and I immediately agreed. I was interested in this project: rehearsals, interaction with the actors, the process of translating Gorky into Tatar. I chose the play myself, because the most important thing is to find material that resonates. When you read and suddenly see a scene, you realize that it needs to be staged. Of course, working with the Tatar language has become a challenge.
For example, there was a moment where it was necessary to find jokes. The actors were very helpful in adapting the jokes back then - they suggested searching for them directly in Tatar in order to maintain emotional resonance.
You have already worked in Russia, including on a production in Tatar. What are the main difficulties you have as a foreign author?
- Despite the fact that I speak Russian, the main barrier for me is language, of course. And the Tatar language is even more difficult. In my opinion, there were no other difficulties in working with colleagues.
Family values and the commitment to a profession
You graduated from the Faculty of Philology in China, and then came to study in Russia. How did your family react to your choice?
- My family sees no problem for me to study in Russia. However, they had doubts about my decision to stay and work as a director here. This profession is far away and incomprehensible to them, so they worry and, of course, miss me. Like any parent, they would like me to be around.
Interest in Russian literature
You said that you like to read the works of Chekhov, Nabokov, Dostoevsky. How and when did you become interested in Russian literature?
- The love for their works originated a long time ago. In China in the 80s there was a huge interest in Russian literature. For example, when my parents were young, they bought and read books of Russian classics translated into Chinese.
In addition, when I studied at the Faculty of Philology in Beijing, the programme included not only Chinese literature, but also world literature. At that moment, I started reading Russian works and I still reread them.
What attracts you most about the Russian literature?
- The complexity of human being, nostalgia and tenderness for man are especially acutely felt in the works of Russian authors.
How do you assess the Chinese people's interest in the Russian culture in general?
- The Chinese people's interest in the Russian culture is still alive. The Russian literature and art continue to inspire many, including me, my colleagues and friends. The works of the great Russian classics, their deep thoughts and rich images resonate in our hearts till the present day.
You introduce Chinese theatrical elements into productions. How do you adapt them for the Russian audience?
- Yes, sometimes I use some elements. But with the adaptation: the Chinese element itself may be incomprehensible, so I add musical or visual associations that are understandable to the audience. It is important that there is a possibility of contact between the actors and the audience.
Do you work in Chinese theaters?
- Yes, I work, I usually come for a specific project. I will try to use some elements for the theatre in China, and others for the theatre in Russia. But my task as a director is to get a response from the audience. I work for them.
The junction of two cultures
Is there a future for Russian-Chinese theater projects?
- Absolutely. Now that there is a living contact between directors and actors, the future of such projects is becoming real. As a Chinese director in Russia, I really hope so.
What modern trends in art, cinema, and theater are most important for bringing Russia and China closer together?
- Modern trends in art and theatre, which contribute to the rapprochement between Russia and China, are primarily associated with a deep desire to understand human nature. The same is here in the theatre. There are people in the theatre, a lot of people, they need to understand each other. If there is such a desire for understanding and interaction, then everything will definitely work out.
Photo authors: Andrey Gromov, Sergey Elagin