RITS: 1 Year Old
Russian newspaper 'Angliya'
14th March 2008
On the 2nd of March 2008 at St. Georges’ cathedral in Bloomsbury, Russian International Theatre School (RITS) celebrated its one year anniversary with the first night of the music and poetry based show, I Remember a Wonderful Moment. Yes, the school is just one year old, and yet it already lived through so many memorable events and gave so many opportunities for creative self-expression to its pupils. The young actors’ first steps were uncertain; surely some things did not come easy during the rehearsals. But despite that, the young people were persistent in their efforts of learning acting skills and braving the stage. They already performed three shows: Magic Fairy Tale (9th December 2007), and I Remember a Wonderful Moment, by Alexander Pushkin (first performed on 16th of June 2007), and the second showing of this production took to stage just a few weeks ago.
The show, I Remember a Wonderful Moment, with its excellent musical score and attractive choreography managed to gather both Russian speaking and English audiences in the same venue and we are very happy about it. To encourage the dialogue between Russian and English cultures is one of the main aims that the school’s collective is trying to achieve.
While following the young actor’s performances, I realized just how much they’ve changed during their year spent at RITS. I was struck by their boldness, competence and sometimes even true professionalism. It is clear that tremendous work has been carried out by the tutors. Believe me, not every drama school can show off with such a production in the first year of its existence. And long, continuous ovations and questions about the upcoming shows were real proof of the audience's genuine appreciation.
Having said all the above, we must remember that the actors and directors at RITS also have their working routine and their problems. One of the major ones definitely is the absence of a reliable sponsor. The school’s program includes putting the shows on, and that inevitably demands a certain amount of essential funds. So many things need to be bought! The show needs lighting and sound equipment, props, costumes and scenery. We would like to be able to allow gifted children who come from low income families the opportunity to study at our school. That would mean providing them with grants and bursaries. It is important to remember that by putting our efforts into young people’s education, we are creating the very base of our future. We therefore are helping to preserve our roots and the culture we came from for generations to come after us. No one really knows what paths the young actors from RITS will follow in the future, but I am convinced that they will provide us with joy again and again when watching their performances.
Dimitry Devdariani, Theatre director
"I came to see the show with my 15year old son. I was beaming with the theatre life of Russia after leaving. We have no opportunities of attending shows in the Russian language, not to mention shows based on the themes of Russian classical literature. Here Pushkin was performed by children! It was fascinating to see how children who live here are able to feel, understand and communicate to the audience the very spirit of Pushkin’s poetry. From the very first lines spoken on stage I sensed how the unique world of Russian culture re-awakens within me. Totally taken by the costumes, music and young actor’s performances, I found myself crying and laughing without even attempting to hide my emotions. When I looked at my son, I realised that he is experiencing the same.
I truly regret that such a school wasn’t opened earlier, where my son would be engaged in the creative process whilst being able to use his mother tongue as a creative tool in his native cultural environment. I fear that up to now he has missed out on such a lot of things.
I congratulate RITS on their truly great beginning with all my heart!"
Eleanor Novi, an audience member
"I noticed that my 16year old son was interested in theatre a long time ago. I strive to provide best possible opportunities for his education, and RITS is an important step on the way towards his future acting career. But the most important thing is that studies at the theatre school and participation in the performances teach my son to appreciate everything beautiful in life.
I know that the school has serious plans. And that includes the creation of a Russian-speaking theatre that will unite the graduates of the school irrespective of the professions they decide to choose. It makes not only the young people but also their parents very happy. It would give young people an opportunity to continue their creative lives, remaining in the environment of their native language and culture. I would like to think that the school will be supported by different organizations and possibly also by individuals, who realise the importance of encouraging the spiritual development of the young generation."
Irina Anderson, parent.
