- Serebrennikov's "Legend" was applauded at the Ruhrtriennale Festival
Raucous cheers signaled the debut of "Legende," a grand spectacle from Russian exile director Kirill Serebrennikov at the Ruhrtriennale, taking place in Duisburg. During the Saturday night event, Serebrennikov depicted Soviet cult filmmaker Sergei Paradjanov's (born in 1924, deceased in 1990) world in North Landscape Park's "Power Plant" – a former steel plant. Paradjanov, known for defying the Soviet regime with his offbeat lifestyle, surreal imaginings, and controversy, served 15 years in Soviet labor camps and was prohibited from his craft. Critics commended Paradjanov's aesthetics and his take on myths and fairytale-like themes outside the dictated socialist cultural norm.
Serebrennikov portrays Paradjanov's life through ten "Legends," incorporating sharp wit, satirical comedy, Caucasian culture references that are vibrant and fantastical, as well as eerie, delusional scenes from labor camps. Additionally, the director inserts comments on Russia's conflict against Ukraine. A scene featuring an aged King Lear can also be seen as a critique of President Vladimir Putin's prolonged tenure. The audience greeted several sections with applause.
Serebrennikov's trajectory mirrors Paradjanov's. In 2017, Serebrennikov, then 54, was apprehended in Russia on questionable charges but managed to escape to Germany. "Legende" is a joint venture between the Ruhrtriennale, Hamburg Thalia Theater, and Kirill & Friends Company.
The Ruhrtriennale's four-week exploration of experimental music, dance, and theater started on Friday with "I want absolute Beauty," a celebrated opening performance featuring Oscar-nominated actress Sandra Hüller as the lead. Directed by the new Ruhrtriennale director Ivo van Hove himself, the music theater production is based on songs by British multifaceted artist PJ Harvey. Over the course of September 15, 32 productions with 140 performances will be staged in Bochum, Duisburg, and Essen.
The grand spectacle by Serebrennikov at the Ruhrtriennale, a Festival celebrating experimental music, dance, and theater, was met with applause during the Saturday night event. paradoxically, North Landscape Park's "Power Plant," once a symbol of industry, now served as the setting for Serebrennikov's depiction of Paradjanov's world, a stark contrast to the director's own experiences with conflict and exile.
