Russian theatre director Slava Stepnov is in New Zealand to direct The Little Tragedies, a modern poetic interpretation of Alexander Pushkin's nineteenth-century Russian masterpiece about free will, fate, and human obsessions. Stepnov has worked in theatres throughout Russia, Georgia, Peru and founded the STEPS Theatre Production Company in New York. During his stay in New Zealand he also held a Stanislavsky master-class workshop.

Stepnov says theatre exists wherever there are talented individuals. "New Zealand is full of talent and I had great pleasure and privilege of observing and working with great actors while here."

Theatre of Glorious Abandon and STEPS Theatre offer their own version of Pushkin's lyrical drama, exploring it with live music, drama and dance at BATS Theatre in Wellington until October 4.Russian theatre director Slava Stepnov is in New Zealand to direct The Little Tragedies, a modern poetic interpretation of Alexander Pushkin's nineteenth-century Russian masterpiece about free will, fate, and human obsessions. Stepnov has worked in theatres throughout Russia, Georgia, Peru and founded the STEPS Theatre Production Company in New York. During his stay in New Zealand he also held a Stanislavsky master-class workshop.

Stepnov says theatre exists wherever there are talented individuals. "New Zealand is full of talent and I had great pleasure and privilege of observing and working with great actors while here."

Theatre of Glorious Abandon and STEPS Theatre offer their own version of Pushkin's lyrical drama, exploring it with live music, drama and dance at BATS Theatre in Wellington until October 4.During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?
The second part of the day, after 5pm. Given the work that I do and when I do it, I have to preserve my energies until that time.

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?
"Cinematic Intonation mixed with extraordinary theatrical expression"

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?
The entire rehearsal process

How does your environment affect your work?
I live in New York and the city gives me my intellectual and emotional stimulation through my contact with its various communities, the people that I come in contact with.

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?
The devil is hidden in the details

What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?
An ability to get along with people

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?
The latest

Why did you want to come to New Zealand to direct The Little Tragedies?
To meet new people and get mixed up in new circumstances

During your stay in NZ you held a Stanislavsky master-class workshop. What can be learnt from this method?
Determination of a specific objective, and movement towards it

How did the actors and practitioners who took this class respond?
It's probably best to ask them, but I feel it was very interesting for them.

What are your observations of the New Zealand theatre industry?
Theatre exists wherever there are talented individuals. New Zealand is full of talent and I had great pleasure and privilege of observing and working with great actors while here.

What are your hopes and passions for the future of theatre?
Theatre should be a love act without contraception. It should be honest, cathartic and truthful.

What challenges does the industry face, in NZ and/or internationally?
A lack of interest from the government

Who or what has inspired you recently?
The presence of the ocean around me

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?
I was born near the Black Sea, and always wanted to become a fisherman but became a theatre director instead. I would be curious to know what would have happened if I had chosen that path.

What place is always with you, wherever you go?
My place of birth - Kerch, Crimea

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?
With a heart filled with love. Otherwise, you won't hear anything.

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?
A sleeping cradle for a cat

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?
To go on an adventure with the people you love

What's great about today?
A dinner with friends, followed by a friendly drunken session.

What's your big idea for 2008?
To finally get some rest.

More information

Theatre of Glorious Abandon (NZ) and STEPS Theatre (New York) presents . . .

The Little Tragedies
By Alexander Pushkin
Directed by Slava Stepnov

Starring: Gene Alexander, Antonia Bale, Matt Clayton, Phil Darkins, Sarah Lineham, Phil Peleton and Paul Stephanus.

23 Sept - 4 Oct, 9.30pm
BATS Theatre, 1 Kent Tce
Bookings: 802 4175 or book@bats.co.nz
Cost: $18/12

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