A recent creative meeting, part of the `Alone with a Shchukin Alumnus` series, captivated audiences at the Boris Shchukin Theatre Institute`s training theatre. The spotlight was on Maxim Averin, a beloved actor, distinguished alumnus, and now, a faculty member at his alma mater. The evening promised, and delivered, a vibrant display of Averin`s multifaceted talent and his insightful perspectives on the world of theatre.
Hosted by Fyodor Balandin, an institute classmate of Averin`s, the evening unfolded with a delightful unpredictability, true to the `Shchukin, Vakhtangov way` – letting the conversation flow organically. It began unexpectedly with Averin himself performing a song, a heartfelt dedication expressing his affection for the assembled guests. The format blended friendly dialogue with artistic interludes of music and poetry.
Insights from the Stage: Averin`s Candid Remarks
On Relationships and the Theatre
“I`m already in a relationship… with the theatre,” Averin stated succinctly when faced with the perennial question about his marital status. This provided an early glimpse into the depth of his dedication.
Defining Theatre: More Than Just a Place
Dismissing the notion of theatre as merely a “temple” or “family,” Averin offered a more dynamic view: “Theatre is not a geolocation, it`s your faith.” He elaborated on the necessity for actors to remain adaptable and competitive: “It`s terrible when a person clings to a chair in a clay room and thinks it`s forever… An artist must be competitive – that means always being ready… A director will come and tell you: `Stand up, do this, jump, fall, die, be reborn…` And you must do it. When you get used to yourself, that`s the end of the world.” He concluded, “No, theatre is not a geolocation, it`s a way of existence, your faith, just as people go to a temple, it`s the same with theatre. You cannot treat it differently.”
Navigating a Career Path
Addressing his recent move to Lenkom Theatre after stints at Satire Theatre and Satyricon, Averin was pragmatic: “Where should I go, I`m waiting for creative perspective. You see, what`s the matter? I should be where there is work for me. I`m not chasing anything, I`m just accepting what is given to me.” This practical approach underscores a professional focus beyond institutional loyalty.
The Art of Teaching: Instilling “Awe”
Turning to his new role as an educator, Averin spoke with evident affection for his first cohort of students. Quoting the legendary Faina Ranevskaya, who lamented the loss of “awe” (трепет) in theatre, Averin declared his mission: “I want them to learn exactly that – awe.” When pressed on how to teach this elusive quality, his response was direct, with a hint of characteristic flair: “You have to instill it! Vaccinate!”
The Teacher and His Students
The evening provided a platform for Averin`s students, now entering their second year, to showcase their progress. They presented a piece on scenic speech, a theatrical performance dedicated to the principles of Evgeny Vakhtangov and his iconic production `Princess Turandot.` Their performance was not for examiners but for the public, marking a significant step. Averin, reflecting on his own student days, paid tribute to his course leader Marina Panteleeva, whose entire class became working actors – a `pedagogical miracle.`
Showcasing Versatility
Throughout the evening, Averin demonstrated the breadth of his talents. He was not only the insightful conversationalist but also a captivating reader of poetry (reciting lines by Gaft and Vysotsky with palpable energy) and a charming performer of romances. He even revealed he writes poetry. The anecdote about being called the `Russian Jim Carrey` early in his film career was recounted by Balandin, a reminder of Averin`s dynamic and often comedic stage and screen presence – a label he seemed to treat with humble amusement. He also fondly recalled student days sharing a single sausage with fellow student Maria Poroshina while dreaming of future stardom.
A Shared Connection
The affection between the actor and his audience was mutual and evident. Averin playfully asked the crowd, “Are you tired of us yet?” The scheduled ninety-minute event stretched to two and a half hours, a testament to the engaging nature of the conversation and performances. As the evening concluded, the audience responded with prolonged applause, forming a long queue to present him with armfuls of roses and peonies. The reluctant farewell was only prompted by Averin needing to catch a train to Vitebsk.
Conclusion
This creative meeting was more than just a performance; it was a revealing look into the mind and heart of a dedicated artist navigating the worlds of performing and teaching. Maxim Averin proved once again why he remains a public favorite, sharing not just his talents, but his passion and wisdom, leaving his audience and his students inspired.
