Lecture 'Theatre Is Energy That Will Never End'

Anton Fyodorov is one of the most well-known and in-demand directors in Russia today. His productions become real events that spark lively discussions and debates. In Moscow, his shows are hugely popular, and audiences are willing to travel to other cities just to see his work—resulting in sold-out houses and lines for tickets. Among Fyodorov’s best-known productions are “The Petrov(s) in the Flu” at the Gogol Center, “Madame Bovary,” “Where Have You Been All This Time, Dude?,” as well as “The Dog Heart,” “The Inspector General” at the Oko-lo theater, “Don Quixote” at the Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko? theater (Theatre of Nations), and “The Overcoat” at Inside Space. Few know that he also directed two seasons of the TV series “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!”—a significant challenge for him in the film industry. Fyodorov creates performances that combine gloom with astonishing humor, handles classic works with virtuosity, and breaks national stereotypes, leaving audiences completely delighted. He is not afraid of the possibility of being misunderstood, because for him an honest dialogue with the public is what matters most. In a conversation with Anton Fyodorov, we’ll discuss why directing is more important to him than acting, how theaters differ in different cities, and what is key for audiences, actors, and directors today.