Actress Yulia Yudina took part in the performance, which critics wrote about as “iconic”, “outstanding” and “the likes of which you have never seen before on the Russian stage.” These characteristics were awarded to Kirill Serebrennikov’s provocative project “The Muller Machine”.
Yulia Yudina tells what it’s like to be part of a bold theatrical experiment, to take on a role that completely changes with each new show, and to go on stage naked.
Serebrennikov himself noted after the performance “The Muller Machine” that one of the most important messages of this project is to make the viewer love himself and accept himself for who he really is. Did this performance help you, as an actress participating in the production, to love and accept yourself?
“The Müller Machine” revealed me as an actress. This is one of my most important performances. Thanks to him, I grew a lot professionally and after participating in it I literally began to feel differently.
Being naked on stage and performing super-tasks, you begin to understand the scale of the concept of the entire performance. This intensity of the role goes from physical to emotional. The conceptual course of events of the play in this state is revealed on its own. Going on stage wearing what your mother gave birth to is like jumping with a parachute or plunging into an ice hole.
“Muller Machine”
What is special about Serebrennikov compared to other theater directors?
Kirill Semyonovich is one of those creators who, figuratively speaking, constantly jump with a parachute or dive into an ice hole. He is a true innovator. He goes beyond the usual and tries to create a new form, a new volume and a new meaning.
I have been closely following Serebrennikov’s work for about ten years, since the play “Plasticine”. And after his production of “Thugs,” my love generally increased to the skies. And then I said to myself: “At any cost, I will work with him!” And, finally, it happened.
The Müller Machine has been called an “intellectual provocation” and a “scandalous performance.” With such reviews, the play has little chance of becoming a commercially successful project. But what actually happened to this production commercially?
You know, everyone is afraid to go beyond the usual and generally accepted. And artist-creators who experiment. And philanthropists who give money for the creation of such bold projects. And the viewers themselves, who risk challenging their taste, as well as going through some strange and dangerous experience.
Nevertheless, this performance is always sold out. At the same time, many spectators go to see the Müller Machine three or four times. This gives them the opportunity to trace new meanings in the performance. Survive a powerful shock. People go to the Gogol Center to see Kirill Semyonovich’s performances to experience something completely new.
After the stunning success of “The Müller Machine” on the Moscow stage, this performance began to be invited to many countries. For example, to Germany, where the performances were equally sold out.
“Muller Machine”
How was the casting process for The Muller Machine?
About a thousand artists came to the casting, among whom were graduates of the best universities and colleges. The casting took place in such a way that a group of several applicants was brought into the hall and given simple, at first glance, tasks. For example, we were told to just stand in front of the selectors and do nothing. As it turned out, it was not so simple. Because at some point an involuntary desire appeared to do something with yourself, to embellish yourself a little. And the point of this task was precisely to show yourself without embellishment. And so that the commission sees your individuality. How much can you give the viewer your energy? I think it was absolutely wonderful! There were other equally provocative tasks.
Even after the premiere, casting continues. Because the performance is very difficult and it was very difficult to endure it physically and morally. So the artists are constantly changing.
How did you prepare for your role in this play?
To get a role in the Müller Machine, you need to have some kind of divine energy. Because otherwise you simply merge. In this performance there are two types of main roles: those who pronounce the text and those who live it physically and emotionally. The first are a socialite and a popular scandalous director. And the latter are the best young artists who visualize images.
This role requires mental stamina and very good physical condition. Before each performance, we conduct special training that brings the artists to the required condition. For example, special exercises that give a sense of unity in the team, as well as a yoga set. In addition, we stand in the plank for five minutes. All this, of course, makes us suffer, but at the same time it brings a feeling of great happiness.