Vampilov — a memory of Chekhov

Abstract

Rozova interviews stage director A. Galimov, whose first production prompted a detailed conversation about A. Chekhov’s and A. Vampilov’s poetics. What does the play Duck Hunting [Utinaya okhota] have in common with The Cherry Orchard [Vishnyoviy sad] and The Seagull [Chayka]? Are there parallels between Zilov and Treplev? What are unique features of Chekhov’s and Vampilov’s dialogues? All these questions are raised and discussed in a lively exchange that also concerns the challenges and potential of modern theatre. Galimov emphasizes the importance of the poetics of pause and incidental music in a play: both help reveal the inner state of the characters and their intuitive ability to ‘read’ each other. The interview discusses Galimov’s productions in the Vakhtangov Theatre as well as his freelance projects and offers a look at Chekhov’s and Vampilov’s plays as living material for the stage.