Mark Rozovsky, the artistic director of the Theater at Nikitsky Gate, has stated that actors must possess intelligence, a sense of humor, and both physical and inner freedom. Speaking to Russia's Fifth Channel television station, the director emphasized that acting mastery cannot be restricted to technical skills alone.
Rozovsky stressed that an artist's freedom of thought is just as important as their ability to control their body and voice on stage. He noted that he particularly values performers who are willing to ask questions during rehearsals rather than simply following commands.
The director explained that when he instructs an actor to stand in a certain spot, run across the stage, shout, remain silent, or exit, a Russian actor naturally searches for the underlying reason behind those actions. He said actors often question why a character speaks a specific line and what internal motivation guides that dialogue.
Staging classical works
Rozovsky stated that an inquiring approach is especially vital when working with classical drama. He cited the works of Russian writer Anton Chekhov as a prime example, noting that meaning in Chekhov's plays often exists in the subtext as well as in the written lines.
According to the director, an actor who merely recites dialogue remains an executor, but when the performer grasps the hidden motivation of the hero, the character comes alive. Rozovsky added that he prefers entering rehearsals without a fully prepared staging plan, allowing space to discover solutions together with the cast.
International theatrical productions
The director also recalled his work on major international stages. In January, Rozovsky shared that his musical Story of a Horse was produced on Broadway in New York City.
Rozovsky noted that the musical was also presented at the National Theatre of Great Britain and staged across 20 other European theaters. The production is based on Kholstomer, a famous story by Russian author Leo Tolstoy.
