Today we extend a warm welcome to Katya Kopotun who is the Assistant Director of the Arkhangelsk Youth Theatre Group from northern Russia. Not knowing where Arkhangelsk is, I found that the town and port of Arkhangelsk lies 1133 Kms north of Moscow on the banks of the Northern Dvina River as it extends into the White Sea.

This delightful musical theatre group were recently at the Avignon Festival & Cies le OFF performing in the beautiful plaza outside the Hotel Mercure, Pont d’Avignon. They were with The Garage International who introduce international non-French artists to the Avignon Festival. So let’s speak with Katya to learn more about her and this exciting new Russian Youth Theatre Group which we hope to see lots more of…

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in directing?

I’m an Assistant to the Art Director of the Russian Arkhangelsk Youth Theatre and it’s a real pleasure to work in the arts environment. You are always at the center of all art events in the city and you communicate with some very interesting people. I am so happy to be working with the Russian Arkhangelsk Youth Theatre.

2. What is your show about and what should the Public expect from your show?

We have many different performances, it’s mostly drama but I think that the public expects from our performances good emotions, discovering Russian art and Russian direction of the performances.

3. What is your favorite Festival or Fringe and why?

I have not not worked at many festivals, so it’s difficult for me to answer this question with any authority. I know many artists from Russia and around the world who think the Avignon Festival is the best.

4. What’s your best advice for aspiring artists and performers on the Festival and Fringe circuit?

Performing and directing at Festivals outside your own country is a wonderful experience and each artist should try it at least once in his or her life.

5. What is your funniest and also, your worst experience assisting in the production of your show?

Working in a group and in a new countries provides many funny experiences.

6. As you travel performing at different Festivals, where is your favorite place to vacation and why?

France and Poland, because the Russian Arkhangelsk Youth Theatre have a lot of friends there. The weather is also fine during the summer so it’s a good place to vacation. We have lots of marvelous memories of these two countries as this was the first time the Russian Arkhangelsk Youth Theatre visited Poland and France.

7. Who is the person you most admire and why?

I can’t answer this question.

8. What is the best tip you have ever been given?

The best tip ever been given..well..about 100 Euros!

9. What is the best book you have read and why do you like it?

“Master and Marguerite” by Mikhail Bulgakov. You should read it at least twice (much better if 3-4 times) and you will understand a lot and you will like it very much!

10. If you could change one thing about the world what would it be?

If I can change something in the world, I think I will change something in the mind of parents that they have never ides to leave their own children.

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Check out more information about the Avignon Festival and The Garage International at:

Le Off – Avignon

Around Avignon with The Garage International