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Shilovsky on "Waiting for a Heart"
Vsevolod Shilovsky discusses his new play, "Waiting for a Heart," reflecting on the role, his approach to acting, and his theatre's upcoming season.
Russian
Russia
HealthInterviewTheaterActingPremierePlay
Moscow Art TheatreTheatre Of Vsevolod Shilovsky
Vsevolod ShilovskyLeonid Mironovich LeonidovAnton ChekhovFyodor Dostoevsky
- Has Shilovsky played similar roles that explored characters on the edge in his career?
- Shilovsky has played similar roles before, citing his portrayal of Cadrous in "The Count of Monte Cristo" and Admiral Zhukov in "The Feat of Odessa" as examples of characters who face high-stakes situations. His ability to inhabit these diverse roles demonstrates a range and depth of acting.
- How does Shilovsky maintain his energy throughout his day as both artistic director and actor?
- Shilovsky's energy comes from his passion for his craft and the talented colleagues he's surrounded himself with, many trained in the old Moscow Art Theatre tradition. He views his students as collaborators and future masters.
- Does Shilovsky alter the script to craft his characters, potentially disregarding the author's vision?
- Shilovsky considers himself an advocate for his characters; even negative roles elicit complex reactions from audiences. He uses the example of his role in "Intergirl," where the character's actions are initially seen as negative but later become understandable given the circumstances. In "Waiting for a Heart," he believes his character's actions define his grandeur.
- What is the contemporary relevance of Polyakov's play, and what aspects resonated most with Shilovsky?
- The play's relevance lies in its exploration of human psychology in a critical life situation, highlighting the importance of remaining human even in the face of mortality. For Shilovsky, the play's focus on maintaining one's humanity in a life-threatening situation is central.
- Does Shilovsky find it risky to embody a character awaiting a heart transplant, given his own potential superstitions?
- Shilovsky doesn't view playing a character awaiting a heart transplant as dangerous; his approach is to fully immerse himself in the role's world, drawing on his experience and training in the Moscow Art Theatre school. He acknowledges his own superstitions, but not in his profession.