I don't perceive Tadashi Suzuki's "King Lear" as merely one of our theater's premieres, MKhAT artistic director Oleg Tabakov noted. This unique event highlights a meeting of two theatrical cultures, two theatrical languages and two theater-art concepts, Mr. Tabakov added.
Mr. Suzuki first staged his "King Lear" 20 years ago, involving actors from different countries and touring the world over the last ten years. Moreover, Mr. Suzuki staged an opera version of Shakespeare's famous tragedy.
I didn't agree from the very outset, after receiving Oleg Tabakov's proposal to stage "King Lear" at MKhAT, Mr. Suzuki noted. First of all, I explained my reluctance by the fact that actors need time to train in line with my system, Tadashi Suzuki added. Second, we are seriously divided on traditional theatrical art, he stressed.
The talent of Russian actors made it possible to create an entirely new production, which was first shown in Japan, winning high acclaim there, Mr. Suzuki went on to say.
I hope Moscow audiences will like this play, as well, he noted. I'm also grateful for this rare experience in my work, Mr. Suzuki said in conclusion.
