Moscow: Moscow hosted the closing of the VIII International Festival of Theatre Schools of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) “GITIS – Master Class”, TV BRICS reported. The festival gathered young performers and students from creative universities across Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. TTV BRICS played a role as the festival’s international media partner.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event featured graduation performances from nine theatre schools within the CIS at the Training Theatre of the Russian Institute of Theatre Arts (GITIS). The programme showcased national works such as the Kazakh epic poem “Kozy Korpesh – Bayan sulu” and the Tajik philosophical parable “The Youth of Mushfiqi”. Additionally, performances included “Uncle Vanya” by A. P. Chekhov, performed by Kazakh students, “Blood Wedding” by F. G. Lorca, performed by a Kyrgyz troupe, and “The Story of Zoya and Shura” presented by Belarusian artists.
Intensive master classes in theatre disciplines were conducted by invited teachers for the participants. Irina Zhukova, Rector’s Assistant on special international projects, noted the growing interest in the festival each year. She mentioned that top theatre schools are now eager to participate annually, often submitting applications a year in advance. This event allows for diverse performances, cultural exchanges, student interactions, and the formation of friendships.
The ‘GITIS – Master Class’ festival has been an annual event since 2018, aiming to enhance cultural cooperation and establish connections between CIS countries in the field of theatre education. The event is supported by the Russian Ministry of Culture and the CIS Interstate Humanitarian Cooperation Fund.