Let’s open a secret: these days Honored Artist of Russia is auditioning for the role of co-host Svetlana Zakharova in the popular TV project “Big Ballet”. But even if luck turns away from Kolb, he will still participate in the show – as a choreographer and mentor of two representatives of the Bolshoi Theater of Belarus, Anastasia Voloshko and Dmitry Uksusnikov.
Igor Pavlovich, at the end of May, the ballet dancers of the Bolshoi Theater of Belarus went on a tour of the cities of Russia. How did it all go?
Igor Kolb: Great. Today, the tour is a necessary form in which the theater must live. When we perform on our home stage, it’s a story. And it’s completely different when artists travel outside of Minsk, it’s a different perception of both the stage canvas itself and the reaction of the audience. And the response was very different. For example, in Chelyabinsk, I was completely surprised when, right during the performance, after the variation, people shouted from the audience: “Guys, you are so good!”
What did they know, say, in the same Chelyabinsk about Belarusian ballet before you arrived?
Igor Kolb: I guess nothing. And now the situation has changed. I even see it on my social networks, how much the number of subscribers of the cities we visited has increased.
We presented two ballets to music by Tchaikovsky: “Swan Lake” and “Anna Karenina”. And if the choice of the first performance is understandable and logical, then “Anna Karenina” staged by choreographer Olga Kostel is probably not the most obvious option for someone. Let me explain: it is one of the last works of ballet created from scratch. Moreover, I see the troupe’s interest in this show, the desire to dance.
Did the theater earn money on these tours?
Igor Kolb: I guess not. It’s more a story of image, a question of importance – talking about Belarus, talking to the world about our theater. Thanks to productions such as Anna Karenina, we have the opportunity to compete and express ourselves.
Also this season, the two Belarusian Bolshoi troupes – opera and ballet – performed for the first time in a long time on the stage of the Bolshoi Theater of Russia …
Igor Kolb: We spent a lot of time deciding what exactly would go in the repertoire. We opted for the tried and true classic – Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker staged by Valentin Elizariev, whose ballets have uplifted more than a generation of Belarusian Bolshoi audiences. There are only two theaters in the world that bear this mark in their name – the Bolshoi. By the way, it hurts me when they say – the Minsk theater. I always correct – the Bolshoi Theater of Belarus. Its important to me. And as for the tour in Moscow, it went perfectly, with an incredible reception from the public. Next time I would like to bring a ballet related to the Belarusian theme to Moscow, but today there are not so many national composers and playwrights who would write themes for the ballet. It may be a matter of time.
There are only two theaters in the world that have the Bolshoi brand in their name – in Moscow and ours in Minsk. Its important to me
According to the plans, in early December you should present your first performance as a choreographer on the stage of the Belarusian Bolshoi. At what stage are your “Illusions of Love” at now?
Igor Kolb: Two councils have already passed: artistic and technical. Part of the music was written by Belarusian composer Leonid Shirin, musical fragments by Fryderyk Chopin and Dmitry Shostakovich will also be used. The thing is, the music I originally selected for the performance didn’t come together in any way. And it suited me, and I liked it… Once a composer looked into my office to meet me, started showing sketches, fragments… I asked again: “Excuse me, what is your last name ?” – Shirin. – “You know, it seems to me that you came very on time …” Everything was instantly formed in my head. Three “Sh”: Chopin, Shostakovich, Shirin. All the artists will be involved in the production, the moment of the reunion of the troupe is for me the key. Both folk and beginners – the viewer will see everyone.
Speaking of beginners. You accepted many young people into the troupe, including graduates of Russian educational institutions. A year has passed. Satisfied with the results?
Igor Kolb: At the end of last season, when I had just arrived at the theater, 39 tickets were free. Now it’s 12 noon. They always come to see us for viewings. Moreover, I work not only with students of the Belarusian Choreographic Lyceum (I recently passed state exams, seven people were selected to enter the theater), but also with students of the Riga Choreographic School , Boris Eifman Dance Academy, Russian Ballet Academy. A. Vaganova… In addition, three people from the Moscow State Academy of Choreography were accepted into the troupe. Am I satisfied? We have to watch them in development.
Do all these new arrivals who are not Belarusian citizens consider the Belarusian Bolshoi more as a transit point or do they still intend to stay in Minsk?
Igor Kolb: When artists move to other venues, that’s normal. At this stage, they fulfill their professional obligations, many extend contracts not for a year, but with an increase in duration. Some young people are still looking for themselves, trying. So, let’s say, two of the artists of the troupe received an offer to take part in the new season of the Bolshoi Opera on the Kultura TV channel. Anastasia Voloshko and Dmitry Uksusnikov are representatives of the Russian ballet school, but they perform on behalf of the Belarusian Bolshoi Theater. Filming for the project will begin in July.
Also in July, you will make your debut at the “Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk”.
Igor Kolb: It’s true, I’m doing a little choreographic fragment for the opening ceremony. I will officially be on vacation, but why not spend it profitably? I am one of those who take advantage of every opportunity to develop. In addition, on August 7, we will meet colleagues from the Mariinsky Theater in Pushkinskie Gory and honor the memory of our teacher Gennady Selyutsky, thanks to whom I became an artist. For us, it is an act of honor, our gratitude to him for the years of work.
In the meantime
In July, the Chelyabinsk Opera and Ballet Theater. M.Glinka. The team will present the premieres of the last seasons: the ballet Le Corsaire (July 5 and 6) and the opera Un Ballo in Maschera (July 8 and 9). In addition, from July 11 to 16, the Bolshoi Theater of Belarus will host a tour of the State Academic Classical Ballet Theater under the direction of Natalia Kasatkina and Vladimir Vasilev. Spectators await three performances: “Cinderella” by Sergei Prokofiev, “Coppelia” by Leo Delibes and “La Dame aux Camélias” to music by Giuseppe Verdi.
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