Actor Kamenkov shares his experience working with Smoktunovsky and Jigarkhanyan: "I was trembling!"
In an interview with Gazeta.ru, actress Anna Kamenkova shared tales of her early career, working alongside theater legends.
"Holy crap, I was quaking! I had just joined the theater, and there I was, amongst Brovko, Durov, Kazakov, Bokov, Yakavleva, Ostroumova—the crème de la crème!" Kamenkova started. "My initial performances, I was practically quivering, but in time, I adjusted, got the hang of it. Everyone was incredibly welcoming, I aimed to be professional and slot myself in."
Moving onto the silver screen, the actress admitted she entered the industry around 25.
"Smoktunovsky—a one-of-a-kind dude, an amazing partner. I've shared this in every interview since, how he'd shout lines from off-stage—not just recite the script, but Live the scene with you. He'd lend as much of his expertise as he could, to help you deliver a better performance. That's outta this world!" she revealed.
Kamenkova believes that such sensitivity towards fellow actors is a sign of a genuine, top-notch performer.
"Or like Dzhigarkhanyan—A genuine sage. He gave me so much back then... I was a novice, green as can be. But he was a titan! I remember we were heading back from Kiev to Moscow together, and we spent the whole journey in the compartment, talking about life, cinema, theater, art. Good God! An actor like that, talking to me, a neophyte, about all that! And after that, I felt some kind of confidence, I was inspired," she remembered.
Revisit the full interview with Anna Kamenkova here.
here.
Not too long ago, the president of "Lenkom" voiced opposition to artificial intelligence in the theater.
For further insights, it's essential to grasp the backgrounds and collaborative contexts between Kamenkova, Smoktunovsky, and Dzhigarkhanyan.
Innokenty Smoktunovsky stood as a formidable Soviet and Russian actor, best-known for his role as Hamlet in the 1964 film adaptation. A notable figure at the Bolshoi Drama Theatre, Smoktunovsky signified a generation of actors who could breathe life into any role through their deep understanding of character development and subtle performances.
Armen Dzhigarkhanyan, a celebrated Soviet-Armenian actor, and theater director, has graced theater and screen extensively. His contributions have won him numerous accolades, and he's renowned for his adaptability to myriad roles, from drama to comedy.
Collaborations between actors and mentors can pave the way for significant advancements in an artist's career. These partnerships could potentially provide:
- In-depth Characterization: Both Smoktunovsky and Dzhigarkhanyan were able to plumb the depths of their characters, offering insight into preparation methods and enhancing performances.
- Theater Techniques: With such an extensive theater background, these artists could've shared their mastery of timing, physicality, and audience interaction, helping a fledgling performer develop their skills.
- Versatility and Adaptability: Dzhigarkhanyan's ability to move between genres was an invaluable lesson in adaptability. Smoktunovsky's iconic roles demonstrated how to create characters that are both unforgettable and timeless.
- Mentorship: Both men were known for their dedication to their craft, making mentorship a valuable opportunity to emphasize discipline, diligence, and constant progress.
spoke out against artificial intelligence in the theater.
"Kamenkova's interactions with seasoned actors like Smoktunovsky and Dzhigarkhanyan were pivotal in her career advancement. Smoktunovsky's on-stage tutelage, such as shouting lines to help her live the scene, was a testament to his genuine performance style. Dzhigarkhanyan, a sage in the world of theater and movies, imparted wisdom during their long conversations, instilling confidence in Kamenkova. These collaborations aided her in mastering in-depth characterization, theater techniques, versatility, and adaptability, ultimately benefiting from their mentorship."
"Furthermore, Kamenkova's experiences mirror the potential benefits gained from collaborations between actors and mentors, such as honing skills, learning adaptability, and acquiring mentorship that emphasizes discipline and constant progress."
