Students of the Acting faculty (class of Valery Sarkisov) represented Russia at the 20th International University Theatre Festival in Monastir, Tunisia, bringing their production “Dear Women”. Based on Alexander Ostrovsky’s comedy “Rich Brides”, the production was directed by Marina Orel. The performance marked the students’ first international tour and their first experience performing for a non-Russian-speaking audience.
The performance attracted both festival participants from different countries and members of the Russian community in Tunisia. Despite the language barrier, the production received a lively response from the international audience, demonstrating the ability of theatre to communicate through gesture, emotion and stage action. Following the performance, an open discussion brought together the GITIS students, festival participants and audience members. The conversation took place in four languages — Russian, Arabic, French and English, creating a space for dialogue between different theatrical and cultural traditions.
The GITIS students also took part in the festival’s intercultural programme, meeting young theatre-makers from around the world and sharing experiences beyond the stage.
The participation of GITIS students in the International University Theatre Festival in Monastir was realised as part of the “Priority 2030” Strategic Academic Leadership Programme.
