Russian Olympic Team Sent Off To The Vancouver Games With A Prayer: Sport And Religion
On January 28, the Russian Olympic Team, all 175 members of it, will be sent off to the Vancouver Games with a blessing from Patriarch Kirill at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow. A special church service will be held to pray for the Russian athletes at the 2010 Olympics. After the service that will be broadcast live, the team will be heading off to Vancouver. On February 10, the Russian flag will be raised in a ceremony at the Olympic village.
The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Moscow -- Photo by Flickr user renata ®
It turns out the tradition to bless the athletes before the Olympics has been observed since 1996 in Russia. Arguably, it is one of those “only in Russia” moments. From my own observation, the presence of religion, which is predominately Orthodox Christianity in Russia, has been a lot more tangible in the Russian society lately, and the athletes are no exception.
I have been noticing a lot of Russian athletes openly crossing themselves and praying before their performances. Of course, back in the Soviet times, that was unheard of. But now, it is definitely becoming more commonplace. From figure skaters to vault jumpers, I see more and more Russian athletes not being afraid or embarrassed to show their religious believes. Many say that religious openness ruined the image of the impeccable, confident sports nation that Russia once was. On the other hand, it is a manifestation of religious freedom to do whatever helps you, as an athlete, to compete better.
It is interesting that the IOC is taking the role of religion in sport a lot more seriously now. The Vancouver Olympic Village will have a religious service center open throughout the Games. The five major religions – Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, and Hinduism – will have worship rooms set up in the center. Even during the 2008 Summer Games in communist China, a religious service center was set up for the athletes to use.
Akhe Theatre: Russian Chaos Descends On Vancouver
The White Cabin
When I found out that Russian Theatre Akhe was making its way to Vancouver for the 2010 Cultural Olympiad, I got moderately excited. It is always a treat to see any kind of Russian theatre here in Canada, but I had no idea what Akhe Theatre was. When I started researching them, I was amazed to find out that the theatre has existed for 21 years now, which made me even more incredulous that I have never heard of them. Turned out Akhe is not your typical Russian theatre. In fact, it is very radically different. Akhe was created as an anti-statement to the classic Russian theatrical tradition. They don’t do Chekhov or Dostoevsky, nor do they try to convey any messages or set any contexts for their audience. When Akhe is on stage, it is always up to the viewer to try to make sense of it all. After watching their performance last week, my advice is - if you ever get a chance to see them, leave your logic at home, sit back and enjoy this Russian take on chaos.
I made a request with Akhe to interview them upon their arrival in Vancouver, which they have kindly agreed to. I was determined to watch their show before I sat down to talk with them, so I went last Thursday. The first thing that struck me when I entered the Performance Works Theatre on Granville Island in time for the 8 PM showing of Akhe’s White Cabin was a note on the wall that said, “WARNING: NUDITY AND SMOKING INVOLVED.” Turned out later there was not just nudity, and a LOT of smoking, but a lot of alcohol, water, ropes and newspapers involved too.
Backstage with Akhe
All throughout the play, I was stunned by how such powerful mental images could be created with completely minimalist tools, many of which actor Maxim Isaev says they pack with them from Russia. Whatever else they need, gets made on the spot. As I was talking to Maxim, actress Natasha Shamina was hard at work cutting a piece of white fabric for a makeshift prop for Friday night’s performance. I was also let in on a secret that all the wine and cigarettes consumed during the performance are absolutely real. Isaev says it is part of who they are as an “engineering” theatre, where it is not just about an actor on stage, but a combination of objects, light, sound and the perception of space – something no one else in Russia has attempted to immitate yet.
I asked Maxim if they chose the White Cabin for Vancouver because it has virtually no text, and so would be understandable across cultures. It turned out that most of Akhe’s shows intentionally have no words in them, whether shown in Russia or abroad. But, it seems the theatre has a special attachment to the White Cabin. The show has been in production for 14 years now, but Isaev says he never gets bored doing it.
“It was made to grow up with us … we change, it changes. It is about the things that are interesting to us all the time, regardless of what is going on.”
What became a revelation to me in the course of my conversation with Maxim was the way people perceive the White Cabin here vs. in Russia. Apparently, the way people choose to concentrate their attention is different. For example, Isaev said they were surprised by how much people laugh during their performances in Canada. As I was talking to Maxim, Natasha Shamina passed by and said with a bit of irony that one of the viewers came forward after one of their shows in Vancouver and said their performance was very funny. But, Maxim says the White Cabin was created to draw little if any laughter. Cultural differences? Isaev says it is hard to say because when people go to see them in Russia, they sort of know what to expect. For an unprepared viewer, Akhe can definitely be a riddle.
Maxim Isaev
As I was talking to Maxim, I could not help but think that it just can’t be the same person whom I saw on the stage yesterday. It was bizarre to meet these very abstract characters in person and see real people behind them. Maxim shared that they liked Vancouver a lot because to them it was unusual. When I asked what was so unusual about Vancouver, he said it had a very pleasant sensation of space. Coming from someone who gets to play with the concept of space on a daily basis, I thought it was an interesting observation about this city. But, it turned out it was not the first time in Canada for Akhe. They toured Quebec four years ago.
The theatre is now done with the PUsh Festival and is off to Toronto and Quebec City. I found out they no longer have a place to call home back in Russia. Their theatre in St. Petersburg was closed down over a fire threat concern after the tragic events at a Perm nightclub where over a hundred people died in a fire that started over faulty firecrackers. Given how much fire and smoke Akhe uses in their shows, it was deemed unsafe. So the theatre is going nomadic for now, visiting numerous countries on their way back. If you get a chance to catch up with them anywhere, you have my thumbs up.
Akhe’s Flickr stream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/akhe/
Akhe's YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/akhegroup
An Interview With Vancouver Canucks Prospect Sergei Shirokov: The Road To The NHL
In this post, I am continuing my interview series focusing on Russians who have reached certain heights abroad. And, today’s interview is with an athlete whose name you have probably caught on TV or in papers at the end of the summer if you have some sort of interest in hockey.
Sergei Shirokov is a 23-year-old former CSKA Moscow KHL winger who got signed by the Vancouver Canucks in August of 2009. Shirokov is in the process of adjusting to the new League’s demands, and it is still a hit-and-miss game for him. Shirokov left behind a lucrative contract in Russia for a chance to play in the NHL. Right now, he plays for the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks the Manitoba Moose, but it looks like he is not letting the demotion become a bump on his road to the NHL fame.
Sergei Shirokov
I think what often gets missed by the press and hockey fans when it comes to up-and-coming foreign players like Shirokov, is how much of a transition it is sometimes to change leagues and get the same degree of success. Inspired by players like Jaromir Jagr and Alexander Ovechkin, we now expect instantaneous success with minimal time for adjustment from anyone who dares try out the NHL. But, is that a fair expectation to have?
I had an email interview with Sergei Shirokov to talk about his career and the rite of passage in the new League (answers translated from Russian).
YTFiles: Sergei, you are currently playing for the Manitoba Moose, and are the top scorer on the team. But, I am sure what you really came here for was Vancouver Canucks. When do you think you will be able to return to play for the Canucks again?
S.S.: Of course, I came to Canada to play in the NHL. I try to show good results and quality of the game. I am sure that I will still have a chance to play for the Vancouver Canucks, and I will try to use that chance fully.
YTFiles: You have signed with the Vancouver Canucks just four months ago and had to move here from Moscow before the pre-season. How easy was that move for you?
S.S.: My decision to sign a contract with the Vancouver Canucks was well thought-out. My family and friends supported me. The move itself was easy for me, and the adaptation was not a problem either. I had enough free time to see Vancouver. Of course, I have not seen everything, but I will have time to do that.
YTFiles: How is your English now? I heard it was a bit of a problem for you in the beginning. Are you still using an interpreter?
S.S: My English is a lot better now. I understand pretty much everything. But I still have lots of time – I will learn it.
YTFiles: Do you miss home?
S.S.: Of course I miss it! As soon as the season is over, I will fly to Russia.
YTFiles: Many Russian and Canadian papers were saying that you took some financial risks by leaving KHL to be able to play for the Canucks. Are you generally a risk taker?
S.S.: It all depends on the situation. As I am getting older, I try to make more well thought-out decisions. I can’t say that I took risks, I knew what I was going for.
YTFiles: The last Russian player whom Vancouver Canucks signed was Artem Chubarov who defected back to the KHL in 2004/2005. So that makes you the first Russian player to be signed by the Canucks in five years. Why do you think the Vancouver Canucks did not hire a single Russian player for the last five years?
S.S.: It is hard for me to say. I do not even know what the reason might be, but not all the NHL teams have Russian players in their rosters after all…
Sergei Shirokov
YTFiles: How different is it playing in the NHL versus playing in the KHL back home? I would assume there are some differences…
S.S.: There are indeed many differences. Currently, the level of the game is higher in the NHL, than it is in Russia. Also, the logistical issues are handled on a better level here. You are also treated completely differently as a player. That comes through in all the minor things.
YTFiles: In your previous interviews, you said that the training schedule in Canada is a lot more flexible than it is in Russia. Do you, in general, get told what to do or how to train here in Canada? Or, do you decide everything yourself?
S.S.: You decide everything yourself. You are simply given a schedule of the games and trainings. So yeah, everything is much simpler here…
YTFiles: I know that right now Vyacheslav Bykov (YTFiles – the head coach of the Russian men’s hockey team) is putting together the roster for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. If you get called upon to play for the national team, are you ready to be on the team?
S.S.: Of course, 100% ready!
YTFiles: What is your prognosis for the gold medal match in Vancouver? Many people are saying we will see Russia vs. Canada in the hockey final. How do you evaluate Russia’s chances to win the gold medal?
S.S.: It is hard for me to make any predictions. Of course, I want Russia to win the Olympic gold. But, there are many worthy opponents that our team will face. It will be interesting to watch all of the teams, but if Russia plays Canada in the finals, that will be twice as interesting.
YTFiles: The NHL is still in the process of trying to figure out if they are going to let the NHL players take part in the next Winter Olympics, which will be in Sochi, Russia. What are your thoughts on that?
S.S.: I think that the best players should represent their countries at the Olympics. I am sure managers of the NHL will make the right decision.
YTFiles: As a kid, have you always dreamt of being a hockey player, or did you have other options?
S.S.: I have not even dreamt of doing anything else. When I was three years old, my Dad taught me how to skate, and than I started training at the CSKA when I was in first grade. At thirteen, I moved to Moscow and lived at a special training school overseen by the CSKA. After I signed my first contract at forteen, I understood that hockey was in fact my profession.
YTFiles: You have now played a number of games in front of the Canadian audience. Do you feel that people here in Canada like and appreciate hockey more than people do back in Russia?
S.S.: No, I don’t think so. Russia and Canada are both hockey nations, and people love hockey both here and there. But in Canada, hockey is publicized a lot more than it is in Russia. And, even the way fans cheer is different!
YTFiles: Really? How so?
S.S.: It is hard to explain. But, in Canada people come to see the show, have a good time and relax. In Russia, I think, people put more soul into it and are just more emotional when they cheer. I mean, it is hard to compare, but I can definitely say that the support of the fans is something you feel whether you are in Russia or Canada, and you can’t thank them enough for it.
Big thank you to Sergei for letting me in on his career at this moment. Stay tune for more exciting interviews to come!
**All photos provided by Sergei Shirokov**
Out Of This World: Cosmonaut Maksim Surayev And His Blog
There used to be a time in Russia when cosmonauts were more popular than movie stars. Back in the day, most people knew their names by heart. Now, hardly anyone in Russia can name a single Russian cosmonaut, aside from maybe Yuri Malenchenko who made headlines when he got married in space in 2003. Yet, decades ago, cosmonauts were more than celebrities. They were these unapproachable legends that everybody aspired to. No one ever saw them or talked to them, but people would cut out their photos from newspapers and hang them in their kitchens. But, that was when "cosmos" was every kid's dream, and cosmonauts were the selected few who got a chance to get that much closer to it.
Maksim Surayev - Photo by Russian Federal Space Agency
Nowadays, despite the fact that cosmonauts in Russia are largely unknown, they are way more accessible than they used to be. One example is Russian cosmonaut Maksim Surayev, who keeps his own "in-space" blog. Surayev has been onboard the International Space Station for over three months now and has been blogging live from space all this time. I have to say I got hyper like a kid when I started reading his stuff. Surayev talks about all the different fun gadgets that he gets to play with at the station and explains cool space phenomena with photos and videos attached. He also answers questions from his readers. For example, his last post was addressing a question about the rumour that astronauts get bright flashes in their eyes when they try to go to sleep in space. According to Surayev, that is totally true!
And, in case you were wondering, Surayev does not blog in English...yet.
Now don't you wish Yuri Gagarin kept a blog back in the day? That would make for one fun read.