Arnoult has a special relationship with the Russian Case festival in Moscow, a festival within the Golden Mask Festival that is mounted every spring for the benefit of foreigners wishing to learn more about Russian theater. He is the only foreigner who has attended every one of the ten Russian Case festivals, for which organizers Tamara Arapova and Maria Revyakina presented him with an award at the conclusion of the Russian Case on Monday, April 13, during a reception at the seat of the Delegation to the European Commission in Russia.
I talked briefly with Philip about his experiences with the Russian Case:
Arnoult and his Center for International Theatre Development are deeply involved in a project that, over a three-year period, is bringing the riches of contemporary Russian drama to the United States. In connection with Towson University’s Department of Theatre Arts, CITD is hosting and conducting a program entitled The New Russian Drama Translation/Production/Conference (2007-2010). By the time it reaches its conclusion in May 2010, it will have introduced five major contemporary Russian writers and some ten major contemporary plays to the American theater community.
In the interest of divulging all possible conflicts of interest, I am happy to say here that I am one of Mr. Arnoult’s partners in this project. That, however, only makes it more fitting that I should be the one to ask him to share his thoughts about his work acting as a midwife for Russian playwrights and American theaters:
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.