IN THEATRE'S SWEET CAPTIVITY

The work of the Pro-Cent production centre is quite well known in Baku, but its range of interests has recently been supplemented by theatre. The people of Baku have not only met but also enjoyed the first stage experience - the comedy 'Cactus Flower' by Abe Burrows, known to the actors as simply the Cactus. Alakbar Tagizada, who staged the play, took quite a chance and described the idea as nothing but an adventure. And indeed it was. There had been nothing like it in his previous experience. Of course, he was interested in theatre and stage direction but he treated it as a hobby, not as work. A psychologist by profession, he overcame initial hesitation to wonderful effect and coped with the material presented in this actor-proof play. Thus every character in his play was colourful, uniquely idiosyncratic, lively, recognizable and complete.

The non-repertory company included actors from the different theatres of Baku - Russian Drama, Ibrus and the Young Spectators. The names of Fuad Poladov, Ludmila Dukhovnaya, and Rafiq Aliyev did not overshadow the playing of Asgar Rahimov, Lubava Grineva, Natalya Pyshkina, Bella Safina, Farida Nesterenko and Teymur Rahimov. The actors were so convincing in their professionalism that a grateful audience repaid them with full houses - and not only at the premiere. People returned to the Actor's House Hall again and again for the second year. Last autumn, the renowned play was even invited to Odessa and Kiev, where the pampered public, quick to spot the ostentatious, also praised the performance and the work of the director. Alakbar Tagizada's non-repertory company from Baku was so impressive that it was invited to take part in Odessa's theatre festival in 2010. 

- Mr. Tagizada, what was your reaction, and that of the actors, to the invitation to the festival?

- Well, … pleasure, I would say. The reason is that non-repertory companies are not often invited to international festivals. In fact, they aren't. It is widely believed that a non-repertory company is a team of people brought together in haste, mainly to make quick money. And so the Cactus' invitation to the festival, you will understand, is recognition that we are a decent team of actors.

- Has the Cactus laid the foundation for an extended theatrical experiment, or was it a one-off by someone in love with theatre but not dedicated to it?

- I wouldn't like to look so far into the future. As for the near future, we already have a new project in mind.

- Does that mean that your company will be working as a repertory company?

- Why not? We have all we need. Most importantly, we have the desire to work together.

- Do you mean to say that there will always be the same actors in your company? But then it is not a non-repertory company at all…

- No, not the same actors. It does not mean that the next project is tailored for those who featured in the Cactus. The aim of a non-repertory company is to allow actors the opportunity to realize ideas they cannot implement on the stage of their own theatre.

- What can you say about the staging group?

- The team still has to be built and remain active. This is very important because like-minded people, people who understand each other without words, are necessary in the theatre world. 

- Have you succeeded in that yet?

- Not quite, but I am working on it.

- What are your plans for the new project?

- The plans are pretty straightforward - keep working …

- Working on what?

- Now a men's play. Only male actors will feature. It is an interesting story of relationships, involving not only human qualities but also professional interests, passion and even ambition…

- Do you think our audience will be interested in looking at a relationship with no women involved?

- Why not? The story is amazing. There is some intrigue and unpredictability in it… It is full of humour, warmth and humanity, even tenderness. In other words, it has everything we lack so much in our daily lives.

- What is it called?

- "Next One". It is a variation on a theme by Neil Simon called "The Sunshine Boys". It was given this title by playwright Ramiz Fataliyev because we have changed the original significantly. Lev Durov and Leonid Kanevskiy featured in the play at Moscow's Malaya Bronnaya Theatre, while Boris Ivanov and Anatoliy Adoskin played it at the Moscow Council Theatre. So you can see what level of dramaturgy is involved.

- Can you divulge who will be in your production?

- Sure. Fuad Poladov, Murad Yagizarov, Rafiq Aliyev and Emin Mirabdullayev. Murad and Rafiq celebrated significant birthdays last year, so it is logical to give them a present in the form of this work, which, luckily, is coming to a conclusion.

- When is the first night?

- Hopefully in early May.

- Could you perhaps reveal some moments from the upcoming "Next One"?

- I can only say that it is a story about actors. The writer and I have tried to provide a psychological analysis of actors as people and actors as mummers.

- Why actors?

- I have always been interested in people in this profession. They happen to experience so many fates, but can they be happy away from the stage? And what kind of an idol is it - this Theatre? Even the brightest of actors leave sooner or later. What remains? The profession itself is both mysterious and phenomenal. There are so many lonely and unhappy people there, so many tragic fates!

- So, is it a dedication to actors?

- Yes. Everyone who is still there and those who are long forgotten. Those cast into oblivion…

- Any surprises for the audience?

- Yes, including the setting.

- Are you working with Nazim Baykisiyev again in this project?

- Yes. Nazim is already part of the team of like-minded people. I like his theatrical and staging handwriting, so to speak. Most importantly, we understand each other.

- Is there anyone else like him on your team?

- There is. First of all, Ramiz Fataliyev. We understand each other without words! Also, the staging team, namely Hasan Mammadov.

- So, this project is your tribute to friends and to all actors in general? What next?

-  Again, I don't want to look too far.

- But still?

- There are a few ideas I would like to realize, but it is premature to speak about that. Neither is it necessary.

- Are you superstitious, like all theatre people?

- I wasn't, but I am afraid I getting there.

- This means you have been taken captive by the sacred monster of Theatre…

- And I am happy. So far the captivity has been quite sweet!