REFUGE CONVERSATIONS. Directors Konstantin Uchitel and Vladimir Kuznetsov

The first Russian stage version of Bertolt Brecht’s play, written in 1941 in Finland. It’s action takes place at Helsinki Central Station. In St. Petersburg the performance was staged in the halls and cafes, and even on the platform of the Finland Station. Armed with the surveillance equipment, spectators were able to watch the private conversations of certain Tsiffel and Calle. In each case surveillance strategy could be defined by the spectator: one can move after actors or dissolve in the crowd and build his or her own images supported by audio tracks. Performance protagonists, whose voices accompany the viewer, are two German refugees from the Second World War times. They are discussing universal issues, as well as everyday petty little things. In the character of Calle one can recognize the author of the play. Perhaps something of what is heard may seem relevant to our times.

Konstantin Uchitel — theatre historian, producer, musician and playwright. Author of music and theatre projects: The Old Woman Route, Genius Loci, Le Sacre du printemps, Way, Kharms Hours, Muddle Instead of Music. Author of numerous books on theatre history.