The InteRussia fellowship programme in Moscow, organised for young actors from BRICS+ countries, has concluded. The training took place at the Russian Institute of Theatre Arts (GITIS) and was developed with the participation of the TV BRICS International Media Network. Participants from Argentina, Brazil, India, Iran, China, and South Africa immersed themselves in Russian theatre, exploring its best traditions and practices over several weeks. Leading GITIS instructors shared their mastery of acting transformation techniques, introducing international artists to the theories and legacies of outstanding Russian actors and playwrights.

On the final day of the fellowship programme, 20 September, lessons on acting mastery were held, followed by a performance showcasing what the students had learnt during the course. Mikhail Shvydkoy, Professor at GITIS and Russia’s Special Presidential Envoy for International Cultural Cooperation, praised TV BRICS’ role in organising the fellowship and its contribution to fostering cultural dialogue among BRICS+ nations in an exclusive comment to TV BRICS.

“If we can tell the international community about the professional processes happening in our country and what we can offer the world, and we have a lot to offer, including in the field of arts education, then all of this, of course, should have a positive resonance”

Mikhail Shvydkoy
Russia’s Special Presidential Envoy for International Cultural Cooperation

Tatyana Morozova, senior teacher at the GITIS acting faculty, remarked on the high level of preparedness and motivation of the internship participants in a conversation with TV BRICS.

“I want to express my admiration for this group. They are very talented individuals, open to everything new, both in the field of art and theatre”

Tatyana Morozova
Senior teacher at the GITIS acting faculty

Similarly, Mikhail Chumachenko, a teacher at the GITIS directing faculty, noted that instructors also enjoy learning from the perspectives and approaches of the interns. According to him, this is not just a learning process but a mutual exchange, where people from different countries gather to discuss global and ethical topics. The participants shared their impressions with the media network. Indian actor Abhijit Kumar Singh shared his experience, highlighting that the teachers showed the young actors the right path to follow.

“It seems like everybody was on their way, scattered before. But after attending those classes, we were on the right line of work. So, I have seen everybody become more mature and knowledgeable, and we very much like that they scrutinise about what they want to do,” the trainee noted. Brazilian actress Barbara Kunda de Freitas also spoke about the most useful skills she gained during the internship.

“We were given a large amount of material – there were many exercises and training sessions. All of this will undoubtedly be useful when we return to our countries. Perhaps the most important for me were the exercises related to attention and perception,” she explained. The InteRussia fellowship programme has been running since 2021. This year, it was held for cultural professionals for the first time during Russia’s BRICS Chairmanship Year. The initiative aims to improve the professional skills of international specialists and promote a positive image of Russia abroad. The programme was developed in collaboration with the TV BRICS International Media Network and GITIS. It is implemented by the Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund with the support of the Presidential Grants Fund.

Photo: Melissa Filipchik