ACTOR'S CONFESSION

Actors, as public figures, have drawn attention throughout the history of theatre as a grand art form. From the era of Shakespeare onward, countless plays in world dramaturgy have centred on people in this profession. Yet, it is rare for theatres to explore the psychological intricacies of being a dramatic actor.

An Uncomfortable Theme

The Azerbaijan State Theatre of Young Spectators courageously addressed this "uncomfortable" theme with their stage adaptation of Tankred Dorst's play I, Feuerbach, penned by the German playwright in 1986. The adaptation and the portrayal of Feuerbach are brought to life by Honoured Artist of Azerbaijan, Shovgi Huseynov.

Huseynov's staging and directorial vision situate the action on a theatre stage, where the ageing actor Feuerbach appears. He has come to audition for the director, desperate for work as he is "dying of hunger," both literal and professional. All Feuerbach has left are his accolades, memories of past fame and success, and a battered old suitcase filled with props. Props that, like him, no longer hold value or purpose. The director, meanwhile, is either late or perhaps not coming at all.

As Feuerbach waits, he engages in an achingly candid conversation about his craft, his cherished roles, and his once-glorious career. This is a story of a man who dedicated his life to acting and paid the ultimate price for his passion. It is a moving confession from someone whose life has been defined by the theatre.

Through Feuerbach, Huseynov grapples with the tormenting question: why is he, a consummate professional, no longer valued in either theatre or cinema? Is it simply because he has aged? His evolving appearance has not diminished his skills. Feuerbach and Huseynov reflect on the characters they have portrayed, a repertoire that includes works from Shakespeare, Molière, Chekhov, Goldoni, and other luminaries of world literature.

An Actor for Every Role

Feuerbach, as embodied by Huseynov, is a versatile actor—a master of comedy, drama, and tragedy. Delivering a performance without any supporting characters or partners on stage is a formidable challenge, yet Shovgi Huseynov rises to the occasion magnificently. He lives Feuerbach's fate with authenticity, adhering to the psychological realism of Stanislavski's method.

In doing so, Huseynov also gives voice to the countless forgotten, undervalued actors like Feuerbach across the globe. The performance is not just a monologue but an impassioned plea to the audience to cherish and respect actors who dedicate their lives to the stage.

Through Feuerbach, Huseynov addresses the dependence actors have on directors, and by extension, on audiences. The euphoria of finding the right director is fleeting; the relationship endures only as long as the actor's potential remains untapped. What follows are the inevitable struggles: seeking unknown patrons, bridging the gap between creators and consumers, and navigating a professional dynamic that has resisted resolution since the theatre's inception.

Despite its 2,500-year history, theatre has yet to establish a universal framework for collaboration between actors and directors. The actor's profession remains one of dependency, shaped by human egos and interactions that transcend time.

A Stairway to Heaven

Feuerbach eventually realises that a bridge of trust, respect, and collaboration between his artistic gift and the absent director will never materialise. Accepting this, he envisions and ascends a metaphorical stairway to the heavens. At its peak are expansive bridges—leading to the Almighty, the only entity capable of truly understanding the actor and the man Feuerbach.

Resolute in his acceptance, Feuerbach wipes away his tears of disappointment and offence. With a smile, he steps into a beam of heavenly light and dissolves into it.

Shovgi Huseynov, with effortless charm and mastery, captivates his audience, guiding them through the emotional intricacies of Feuerbach's professional and personal journey. The viewers, entranced by his magnetic performance, follow him wholeheartedly, experiencing every upheaval in the life of this ageing actor.