Ah, it's tango!

An interview with producer, writer, screenwriter Viktor Rashkovich (Dalsky) after the performance of the famous Argentine theater "Legends of Tango" in New York, after which the artists and producer were given a 20-minute ovation.

— Victor, you have been presenting first-class projects to the American public for many years. In my memory there was not a single failure. What guides you when choosing projects?
— My criteria are quite simple. I have to like the team and its repertoire. You shouldn't be ashamed of your choice. Perhaps this is not entirely correct. Many of my colleagues take the financial component into account first.
- Yes, but it’s also important. Over the years, many impresarios were forced out of business after financial fiascoes.
- Of course, it’s important. And finding a balance between the creative and financial components is not at all easy. The producer's profession is one of the most stressful - with no room for error, often on the verge between success and failure.
—Does your second profession—a writer, screenwriter and translator—help you?
- To a certain extent. The eye is already trained and instantly sees the difference between noteworthy art and “fake” art.
— You said that this is your anniversary, hundredth, production project. Which is your favorite?
- I can’t single out just one. And multiple tours with Elena Kamburova, with whom we traveled all over America and Canada, and the theaters of Roman Viktyuk, and "Litsedei", the Israeli "Virtuosos of Tel Aviv", and the "Gesher" theater, with which we had wonderful tours in America and Europe . And concerts by the legendary Claire Barry. And the excellent Maxim Averin.. And the project “Diamonds of the World Ballet”. And tap dance festivals, at one time the largest in Europe.
— How did you manage to cope with such different teams and people? Admit it, was it difficult?
— Various situations happened, sometimes, as once with the “Litsedei”, hopeless ones. But in human terms there were practically no problems. As soon as the artist sees respect for himself, compliance with all agreements, understands that he is dealing with a professional, normal working relationships develop, often turning into friendships. We continue to communicate with many many years after the tour.
— I know that even Roman Viktyuk, known for his difficult character, praised you.
- It’s worth a lot. Roman Grigorievich even staged “Incomparable!” in his theater. in my translation with Irina Simakovskaya, which has been playing in the theater for more than 10 years. By the way, I rather unexpectedly learned about the premiere of the play. We were once again touring in North America, when on one of the stages the artists asked about my creative projects. And I said that only recently we completed the translation of the play - the life story of Florence Jenkins, whom contemporaries called the most mediocre opera singer of all time and the greatest manipulator of the audience. And in response I heard:
“So we already have a premiere planned.” This was such a pleasant surprise. Viktyuk, as soon as I sent him the translation, immediately began rehearsing.
— How many plays have you translated?
— Six, four of them by perhaps the most sought-after playwright of our time, Peter Quilter. It is based on his plays "Incomparable!" and “The Last Ray of the Rainbow,” super-successful Hollywood films were made with Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant, and Renee Zellweger received an Oscar 2020 for Best Actress – Judy Garland.
— What are your creative plans today?
— A two-volume set of my literary works is being prepared for publication, which I called “Getting off on the wrong foot.” The title, in my opinion, accurately reflects my creative path. But somehow everything worked out. Sometimes to my own surprise.
“I can only wish: to start on the wrong foot, but to the right goal, as you always succeed.”
Recorded the interview
Marina Lagunova