Mikhail Baryshnikov performs Brodsky/ Baryshnikov, based on the poems of Joseph Brodsky at BAC on March 8, 2016.
Photo Credit: ©Stephanie Berger
(Irene Kukota’s article appeared on Russia Beyound the Headlines, 4/17.)
Russian Art and Culture: How would you describe Brodsky/Baryshnikovin one sentence?
Mikhail Baryshnikov:. A poetic journey
What made you say “yes” to participating in Brodsky/Baryshnikov project staged by Alvis Hermanis?
M.B.: Alvis Hermanis invited me to do it, and I was honored to work with such a remarkable director. I couldn’t say no! I prefer live theater. The immediacy, the terror; it’s the ultimate challenge
Did you take part in the writing of the performance script?
M.B.: There was never a script. The director, Alvis Hermanis, selected a range of poems including very early and very late ones. To explain the staging of this show would take a long time. We lived with this text for some time and it was a fascinating process for both Alvis and me.
It is frequently said that this show is about death, powerlessness against time and age. Do you also see it this way?
M.B.: I think that’s up to the audience to decide. They are the main participant after all. The goal is always to stay true to the director’s original vision. The set is a beautifully decrepit glass winter garden from the turn of the 20th century. I think it captures the quiet introspection and pensive mood of the play perfectly and Joseph would have loved it. It can be lonely out there, speaking of the ultimate challenge, but I love it.
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