You are a graduate of AGRFT. When did you encounter interactive theater? The first time in primary school, when a classmate theatrically "punched" me, the second time as a spectator in high school at the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, the third time as a student in the role of an actress, finally...
You are a graduate of AGRFT. When did you encounter interactive theater?
The first time in elementary school, when a classmate theatrically "snagged" me, the second time as a spectator in high school at the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, the third time as a student in the role of an actress, and lastly the day before yesterday at the rehearsal of the Electric Invasions project in the role of a director...
How does interactive theater differ from classical theater?
Interaction is a part of every theatrical event... Just as the actors act on the audience, the audience acts on the actors, even though immersed in the safe darkness of the classic "Italian" boxes. When we talk about interactive theater, we mean theater forms that address the active spectator and thus transfer part of the responsibility for the content of the performance to him. They shift the focus from classic theatrical presentation to communication and interaction. In short: we determine the rules of the game, then everyone can play, not only the players, but also the visitors.
Where did you gain experience and knowledge about this kind of theater genre?
On the street, in books, especially those from the beginning of the 20th century, and through practice. A little bit also on theater stages and festivals, but interactive theater is underrepresented in modern European space. Interest in it and the number of groups and individuals dealing with it is slowly growing.
Who can do this kind of theater?
Everyone except the players. Kidding! As a rule, actors with a classical drama education are not the most suitable for this type of theater. They are too focused on their performance. For substantive interaction, one must have an "empty" head, be open to suggestions from viewers, relaxed and at the same time concentrated, so that you can react quickly, playfully and surprisingly. Actors in interactive theater are co-creators of the content of the play. They, too, need certain theatrical acting skills for their performance (control of the body, speech, sense of rhythm, ability to recreate and project emotions...). For them, a sense of improvisation, knowledge of psychology, a sense of dramaturgy and the ability to empathize with others are welcome. We recruit our actors from all over... Some come from improvisational backgrounds, others have a dance education. Natalia and Ravil Sultanov are graduates of the Moscow Circus Academy. Among the actors are also historians, social anthropologists, students of Slavic studies, criminology, well, despite everything, there are also some academically educated actors.
How do audiences react to interactive theater here and abroad?
People react very differently. A lot of them just stare for a long time, and then... they relax. Of course, children react most directly. We look forward to both the viewers who grab the "game" right away and those who shyly wait... until the end. We don't force anyone, we don't expect anything. We are even looking forward to Mrs. X, who called the police in Kamnik because of us... Our experience so far has been extremely positive. We were lightly beaten a few times, and dinner and drinks are generally free.
Are there legalities within this kind of theater?
With the opening performance, which is directed, we try to prepare the audience for interaction. We provide them with a suitable atmosphere, tear them out of reality and take them into the game. You have to activate the viewer, guide him, give him the lead at the right moment, take the lead from him again and give it back to him... You also need to know how to end the interaction. The greater part of all these responsibilities rests with the player, not the viewer. Laws are present in every artistic creation and are primarily intended to be broken.
How does the idea for the show come about?
Suddenly… at night… when everyone is sleeping…
What are you planning with the Ljud group in the future?
Spaceship tours: Denmark, Montenegro, Hungary, Norway, Austria and Israel, a short documentary film, a new show with a wardrobe as a central stage element, a trip to Pula, renovation of an apartment, "Conquering the city!" and more and more aliens and children and dogs and houses and cars...
