Being Russian at the Avignon Festival
From July 5 to July 7, 2024, the interactive improvisational solo performance by Katrina Gridina, "Being Russian 2022-2024," will take place on the stage of the "Au Chapeau Rouge" theater (Avignon) as part of the OFF program of one of the largest events in the world of contemporary performing arts, the Avignon Festival. This performance explores the psychological aspects of Russian emigration during this period. The project has received support from musicians such as Manizha, Yana Ostas, Estas Tonne, and Veda Ram.
The Avignon Festival, known for its contemporary and socially conscious performances, frequently showcases works that highlight issues of discrimination and social inequality. In this context, Katrina Gridina’s performance addresses crucial questions:
According to the UN, about one million Russians have emigrated in the last two years, facing the loss of identity, isolation, and adaptation to new conditions. Each person experiences this time differently: some engage more actively in politics, others freeze and adapt to new times, some continue their activities while isolating themselves from the news, and others find the strength to create, striving to express personal and collective experiences through art.
"As Stanisław Jerzy Lec said, 'In art, there are no new directions. There is only one - from person to person.' For me, performance is not academic or gallery art, but a special creative space where deep and sincere meeting with oneself and with each other becomes possible, both for the artist and the audience," says Katrina Gridina, the author, director, and performer of the show.
The format of the performance involves partially prepared improvisation, where every word and movement will be born on stage in response to the internal experiences and reactions of the audience.
After the initial performances at the festival, collected photos, videos, and reviews will be sent to theaters and art spaces in other countries that have received a large wave of Russian emigration to organize additional performances there.
The organizers hope that the performance "Being Russian 2022-2024" will become an artistic stimulus for the collective exploration of problems in modern society. In addition to seeking solutions through direct interaction with the audience, the project aims to prevent biased and distorted attitudes towards Russian citizens in France and the world and to awaken public interest in the psychological aspects of forced migration. The Russian case is one of many, and by summarizing this experience, it will be possible to offer help to various groups of emigrants and victims of discrimination.
To continue the work at the Avignon Festival and after, the School team has launched a crowdfunding campaign, which will last until the end of the summer. Updates can be followed on the performance’s website and the School’s Telegram channel. For additional information, contact artofbeing.team@gmail.com.
Official teaser on youtube
Visual Materials
The Avignon Festival, known for its contemporary and socially conscious performances, frequently showcases works that highlight issues of discrimination and social inequality. In this context, Katrina Gridina’s performance addresses crucial questions:
- Why, when we talk about wars, do we discuss states, armies, budgets, statistics, and nations?
- How do we answer the simple question from neighbors, "How are you?" when our loved ones, colleagues, and friends have left their homeland in protest, facing the threat of dying under bombs or ending up in prison due to political repression?
- What is it like to remain human and seek peace within oneself in the midst of war?
- What is it like to be Russian after February 2022?
According to the UN, about one million Russians have emigrated in the last two years, facing the loss of identity, isolation, and adaptation to new conditions. Each person experiences this time differently: some engage more actively in politics, others freeze and adapt to new times, some continue their activities while isolating themselves from the news, and others find the strength to create, striving to express personal and collective experiences through art.
"As Stanisław Jerzy Lec said, 'In art, there are no new directions. There is only one - from person to person.' For me, performance is not academic or gallery art, but a special creative space where deep and sincere meeting with oneself and with each other becomes possible, both for the artist and the audience," says Katrina Gridina, the author, director, and performer of the show.
The format of the performance involves partially prepared improvisation, where every word and movement will be born on stage in response to the internal experiences and reactions of the audience.
After the initial performances at the festival, collected photos, videos, and reviews will be sent to theaters and art spaces in other countries that have received a large wave of Russian emigration to organize additional performances there.
The organizers hope that the performance "Being Russian 2022-2024" will become an artistic stimulus for the collective exploration of problems in modern society. In addition to seeking solutions through direct interaction with the audience, the project aims to prevent biased and distorted attitudes towards Russian citizens in France and the world and to awaken public interest in the psychological aspects of forced migration. The Russian case is one of many, and by summarizing this experience, it will be possible to offer help to various groups of emigrants and victims of discrimination.
To continue the work at the Avignon Festival and after, the School team has launched a crowdfunding campaign, which will last until the end of the summer. Updates can be followed on the performance’s website and the School’s Telegram channel. For additional information, contact artofbeing.team@gmail.com.
Official teaser on youtube
Visual Materials