Famous Russian theater school sets stage in Africa
The Russian Institute of Theater Arts (GITIS) has agreed to partner with the International Center for Research and Documentation of African Language Traditions (CERDOTOLA), the press service of the school reported on Monday.
GITIS will provide support for the training of theater staff in CERDOTOLA member countries, while initial working group meetings have already been held.
“CERDOTOLA plans to develop theatrical education in Cameroon and other African countries, as well as collaborate with GITIS to provide methodological assistance in training actors, directors, choreographers, and other performing arts specialists,” GITIS’s press service said in the statement.
The initial training sessions for master’s students led by the Russian theater’s instructors are slated to begin in Cameroon in January 2025. Aspiring young individuals interested in advancing their education in the theatrical arts will have the opportunity to attend classes in acting, stage speech, and stage movement. The most promising participants will be invited to continue their studies at GITIS.
The parties have also agreed to conduct lectures on the history of Russian theater, the history of fine arts, and the history of costume.
CERDOTOLA is present in 11 African countries, including Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), Gabon, Rwanda, Angola, Sao Tome and Principe.
In October, Grigory Zaslavsky announced a collaboration with the Grand Theater in Dakar, Senegal. The parties are working on staging plays by the famed Russian playwright Anton Chekhov adapted for the Dakar stage with the participation of the Russian production team.
