THREE COMRADES? - Yury Smekalove

Three real stories of dancers from one of the main musical theaters tell about the raw side of the ballet world without any cuts. What internal barriers, attitudes and fears can prevent one from achieving recognition and success? How can an artist and his own body become sworn enemies?

Choreographer and director Yury Smekalov together with Alexander Tsypkin, a famous Russian author who is debuting at the “Comedian’s Shelter” as a playwright, present a truthful, funny and at the same time dramatic story about people who have dedicated their lives to the stage. What is ballet really silent about?

Yury Smekalov

Soloist of the Mariinsky Theater, winner of the National Theater Award “Golden Mask”, choreographer. Author of performances at the Bolshoi, Mariinsky Theaters, Samara Opera and Ballet Theater, the “Comedian’s Shelter” Theater and others. Founder and artistic director of the creative association MAD Company — an independent dance company producing ballet performances in Russia and abroad.

Alexander Tsypkin

Author of the bestsellers "Women of Unrelenting Age", "House of Dates", "The Girl Who Always Laughed Last". Author of the project "Unprincipled Readings" — a literary and theatrical format, within the framework of which prose is read by the authors themselves and popular artists, including: Konstantin Khabensky, Ingeborga Dapkunaite, Victoria Isakova, Anna Mikhalkova and others. Laureate of the Guild of Film Critics and Film Scholars Prize of the Kinotavr festival for the film "Farewell, Beloved" with Ksenia Rappoport in the leading role.