Students and teachers, who gathered at a spacious hall at the Turkmen State Institute of Culture, were waiting eagerly for artists of the Independent Shadow Theater from St.Petersburg, who were to give a master class on bringing shadows to life and possibilities of visual transformations.
Natalia Kirillova, Elena Dotsenko and Kseniya Satsik are a trio of young, creative, talented and enthusiastic artists from St.Petersburg, creating new artistic reality.Those students, who had watched their wonderful show The Suite for a Sparrow with a Violin’ the day before, were eager to learn how to transform shadows into animated characters.
To excite the audience’s curiosity, the young women showed a few dynamic shadow shapes.On the other side of a screen, there were images of a sentimental angel and quick-witted Aladdin.
Everyone applauded the artists enthusiastically.After the shadow acts, Kseniya Satsik told about the history and the origin of shadow theater and its distinctive features in different countries.
The most fascinating moment of the master class came when the Russian artists began to share their secrets of achieving the maximum effect.Thanks to the well-controlled, graceful movements and body positions assumed by one or two artists, the white screen featured elephants, camels, and benches on which shadow passers-by could sit down... - While mastering shadow acting, the performers learn to produce narrative pieces, Elena Dotsenko shared her expertise.
And a good drama component that will really appeal to a performer and an audience alike is of particular importance here.Our theater has been in existence for two years, and our repertoire includes three shows.
Replying to questions from the audience, Natalia Kirillova said that the St.Petersburg International Shadow Theater had toured extensively.Although audiences respond to their art differently, they have a big number of keen fans.
Many schools form groups where students can learn the basics of this visual art.It is safe to assume that this form of art will become widespread soon. - At our institute, head of the Department of Acting, Voice and Speech Aymamed Ishankuliev said, - a shadow theater group has been working for two years, and any student wishing can be a part of it.
Three shows have been staged so far, but they have not been played to a general audience.The students are still learning the tricks of the art, which is fairly unusual for us, and are gaining their experience.
That is why the master class with the professionals is a special event for us, and now we are looking forward to spectacular productions by our up-and-coming young performers.