"I AM LEARNING CONSTANTLY!"

Diva is a concept usually found in the opera vernacular. It refers to an outstanding singer or actress. In ballet, the brightest dancer is called prima. In drama, the leading actress of the theatre is called a prima donna. The same is true for the People's Artist of Azerbaijan, actress of the Samed Vurghun Russian Academic Drama Theatre, Ludmila Dukhovnaya. Her acting skill and delicate manners, royal stature and goodwill are just a few strokes in the portrait of the actress so loved by Azerbaijani theatregoers. Plays staged with her participation always make headlines in the theatre life of the country. We kindly asked Ludmila Dukhovnaya to share her thoughts about the state of the the theatre today.   

"I remember our first acquaintance at the premiere of The Cherry Orchard. Is Chekhov still relevant? Are his works about universal values eternal, or do people in the 21st century need a different message, meaning and morality?"

"I believe that Chekhov is a playwright for all times! Of course, he is relevant and even eternal, because his works encompass all our life: thoughts, actions, mistakes that accompany us always. He once said that all his works should become evident in proper time, and that he had nothing to be ashamed of. Indeed, his plays continue to be staged and screened all over the world. It means something, doesn't it? Currently, I'm reading The Life of Anton Chekhov by Donald Rayfield. Quite an interesting read, I must admit. I am surprised how Chekhov continues to open himself up for me—both as a person and as an author—despite my knowledge of him."

"What does define the theatre best for you personally?"

"For me, theatre begins with a dream, an interesting role and a favourite stage, with my tortured soul in the eternal service of Melpomene!. Theatre is my magical world, which has helped me to live, love and dream!"

"Do you think theatre is losing out to television and the internet? Is the exclusiveness of the contemporary theatre still valid? Don't you think there is a popular scepticism about the notion of theatre?"

"No, I think the theatre is simply keeping up with the times. People still go to theatres. Even the theatre itself is moving towards the audience. I mean theatres are becoming part of a huge network. Some of our old productions can now be watched in recordings, on the internet."

"How does time influence you personally as an actress. Do you lose or gain interest?"

"It doesn't! I'll tell you more. As I get older, I become more interested in theatre and get more excited about the world I live in! I always attend premieres of my colleagues from other theatres, all touring productions, and I also enjoy going to various exhibitions and concerts! I read a lot, I write poems! As any other person, I also worried about the global events. But creativity saves me!"

"What is modern theatre for you? Where is the boundary between classical and contemporary theatre?"

"For me, modern theatre is what goes hand in hand with the time and the actual problems it dictates. Theatre is a mirror of society. Theatre used to be stricter, smarter, if you like. Today audiences are looking for entertainment, they want to disconnect from the hardships of life. Or maybe it's all about us? Maybe we've lost taste for serious art. I'm not talking about boring art, but serious art, which can also be fun, exciting and at the same time more responsible towards real life, not so insensitive... Even directors sometimes deviate from traditional forms in their productions, I still don't see any clear boundary between classical and modern theatre, because it is constantly renewed! It is true that today theatre uses a lot from other genres, including video, film, ballet and even circus. The main thing is not to go overboard. After all, if you break the proportions, you can spoil even the most delicious dish!"

"Don't you consider modern theatre as a platform for directorial experiments?"

"The theatre has always been a platform for directorial experiences! That is why it is still attractive!"

"How would you evaluate the potential of the Russian Drama Theatre in acting, directing, music, drama?"

"There is a lot of potential in our theatre! We have good actors, wonderful young people, always excellent music, interesting dances. We have five directors. This is good, but they need to be given a chance to express themselves. After all, they practically do not stage anything! Indeed, something is changing, but it happens so slowly. In terms of drama, the problem is that we don't stage enough classics. Another big problem is that at the beginning of each season we don't know what plays will be staged and which of the directors will stage them... It always happens unexpectedly and spontaneously."

"Has the theatre ever faced a crisis of ideas, creativity?"

"By and large, it is not the problem of theatres, but of directors. Some have abundant ideas, but they don't come to fruition for various reasons. Some don't know how and where to apply their potential. Sometimes actors also have creativity crisis, and the reason is the same: lack of roles!"

"Why lack of roles? Problems with the repertoire or the actors not involved in performances?"

"It's all about the creativity crisis you mentioned."

"As an accomplished master, do you regret any roles that you did not play, even though you had the opportunity to do so? Also, do you have any regrets about the roles you did play, but you didn't like the characters you played? Does an actor have to be a conformist in this sense, to force himself to do the assignment?"

"As the saying goes, never ever regret anything that cannot be changed... Of course, there are roles that I regret, but it's too late to talk about them. I see no point in this discussion... There were three roles that I did not like personally, and only because they had a destructive beginning and a sad ending. I don't like that. I try not to let negative emotions into my life. I don't think and don't talk about bad things! I'm not a conformist, but I'm always careful in choosing roles. Sometimes I have to refuse. Although we, actors working in the state theatre, should not do that! That's what I am, who likes playing positive roles only, where everything filled with kindness, tenderness, warmth, love for people, family, and children. Love has always been my theme both on the stage and in my life."

"What are the themes that modern life dictates for theatrical productions? What theme would you like to see a play on?"

"I believe that art heals, and we are always drawn to it by something personal! I think that today there should be more plays on the theme of relationships, especially the family ones, understanding between close people. I would love to see a play on this theme, and even more - I would like to play in such a play. And there are a lot of plays based on this theme."

"How would you evaluate the creativity of aspiring actors and directors? Should young people be given more creative freedom. What if the lack of restrictions leads to the absence of taste?"

"There are so many talented actors among young people today. I love to communicate and work with young actors. They fill me with energy, there is a very interesting exchange of information. I learn from them inner freedom and liberation. After all, when we were young, we were very uptight, inhibited and naive. The time was different... What we used to take years to achieve, they now get quickly and easily. They are lucky to get big and interesting roles as soon as they step into the theatre. Unlike us, they are more practical, they have a different mindset. This is good and very important in the modern world in general, and in culture and art in particular! And, of course, they should be given all the conditions for expression, more creative freedom without fear of tastelessness. Tastes does not depend on age!"

"What is prima and diva to you? Is it honour and recognition or responsibility?"

"An actress called in such a way needs immense popularity and love among the audiences. These are the ingredients of success for any actor. They would lie to you if they say they didn't try to achieve these two. After all, it is the product of our efforts. But a lot depends on a person's character, how susceptible he or she is to the star disease. Fortunately, I have not suffered from it. I am an open and easygoing person. I am friends with many of my spectators, including those who have left Baku. I am happy that they remember me and follow my works. Titles, awards, popularity, status only increase my personal standards, responsibility to justify them! I do not stop, and I am always learning. I am learning constantly. As Boris Pasternak said, I want to understand the essence of everything around me. And I want to tell young actors that our profession is something you have to learn all your life."