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Backstage pass to Russia

By Tremaine Versteeg '07
February 28, 2007

January's Interim academic term at St. Olaf provides an opportunity for nearly a quarter of St. Olaf students to study abroad. One of the most unique programs offered this year was an opportunity to study Russian theater -- in Russia. Led by St. Olaf Professor of Russian Marc Robinson and Professor of History Emeritus Robert Nichols, the duo led 14 students on a three-week trek. The group saw some 20 productions throughout the country, from opera to puppet theater.

RussianInterim07
Participants in Interim's Russian Theater class pose in front of St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow.
Robinson cites his recent sabbatical research on contemporary Russian theater as the inspiration for the trip. "Russia is one of the few places where virtually all theater is repertory," he says. "And theater is an exceptionally popular art form in the capital cities of Russia. Every performance save one that we went to was completely sold out or standing room only. This popularity with the contemporary audience demonstrates that they are doing something to connect with their audience," he explains. And even with the language barrier, he adds, students on the trip felt that connection.

Because of Robinson's research, his students were able to meet with Russia's top theater directors, playwrights, actors and teachers. Robinson notes that these opportunities allowed everyone to develop a much greater understanding of theater in general, as well as gaining a "non-touristy" look at Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Memorable meetings
During a typical day the group would meet for a couple hours in the late morning for class, have the afternoon to explore the cities and then attend a show nearly every night, and afterwards often discussing the work with the actors and directors. "After one performance the entire cast and the director [about 15 people] came out to talk to all of us for about 40 minutes. This was completely unplanned, but they heard we were coming and they all stayed," recalls Robinson.

Besides the numerous theater productions that they attended, the trip was also able to do many other activities as well. Matthew Divertie '09 recalls the group's historical tour of Novgorod -- on the first sunny day of the trip. Heidi James '09 remembers the climb to the top of the colonnade of St. Isaac's Cathedral as one of her favorite moments. Marie Strampe '07 says that meeting with students from a distant province who were studying to get their degrees in theater at the St. Petersburg Academy of Theatre Arts was one of her most memorable experiences.

The group also got to walk on sound stages at Mosfilm, which is known as the largest and oldest film production company in Europe. Everyone got to talk to the studio head in the company's conference room -- surrounded by Oscars and a Palm d'Or.

A multitude of memories were created on the trip, but the impact for many students goes well beyond the images and playbills. "Russia was such an incredibly interesting country, especially in the context of theater and the arts," says James. "Theater is a major part of the lives of Russian people. We learned that it's really the only medium by which Russians can truly express opinions that the government wouldn't especially allow otherwise."

Contact David Gonnerman at 507-786-3315 or gonnermd@stolaf.edu.