GITIS expands cooperation with African countries: masterclasses and new agreements in Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal

The Russian Institute of Theatre Arts (GITIS), a partner of TV BRICS, has carried out a large-scale educational programme in two West African countries. A series of masterclasses for local artists and students has concluded in Côte d'Ivoire, while in Senegal students from the choreography faculty conducted tours and joint productions.

In Abidjan, from 2 to 5 December, GITIS lecturers in movement, stage speech and acting worked with the troupe of the National Cultural Centre (CNAC) and students of the National Institute of Arts and Culture (INSAAC). The programme concluded with a theatre and dance showcase and the signing of a number of cooperation agreements. GITIS plans to formalise partnerships with INSAAC, CNAC, the Directorate for Acting Training (FAC) and the Association of Russian Speakers in Côte d'Ivoire (ARUCI).

During the visit, the GITIS delegation, including the Rector of the Institute Grigory Zaslavsky, held meetings with the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Culture and Francophonie of Côte d’Ivoire Hassan Tiam, the leadership of the MASA theatre festival, and the Russian Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire Aleksey Saltykov.

“This is our first trip to Côte d’Ivoire. The students here are similar to ours (GITIS students – Ed.). It was clear that they had prepared for the meeting with lecturers from Russia and had read about Stanislavsky, which was also pleasant,” noted GITIS Rector Zaslavsky in an exclusive comment to TV BRICS.

At the same time in Dakar (Senegal), students of the choreography faculty of GITIS, under the guidance of Professor Maksim Valukin, conducted a classical dance masterclass for local performers. Senegalese dancers, in turn, introduced the Russian students to national choreography. The main focus was the joint preparation of the production "Kiriku and Karaba", based on an African legend, and a concert programme that included classical pieces as well as original works by students of the choreography faculty.

The GITIS programme in Dakar concluded with a final concert at the Grand Theatre of Senegal.

“The first masterclass turned out to be very warm and lively – the participants were genuinely interested in learning about Russian folk dance. [...] Working with Senegalese performers is a special experience: they are precise, attentive and open to new things. It is very inspiring when your choreography receives such a vibrant response,” shared Anastasiya Bezoiliuk, a student of the choreography faculty who led the session.

Both programmes are being held as part of the project “GITIS School in Foreign Countries” with the support of the Ministry of Culture of Russia.

Photo: GITIS