In this edition of arts24, Eve Jackson sits down with Kirill Serebrennikov, a trailblazing and controversial figure in European art. Now residing in exile, the Russian director and theatre visionary has made Paris his new home, where he unveils two powerful works that confront the darkest chapters of history and the persistent structures that allow such evils to endure. At the Théâtre du Châtelet, Serebrennikov presents the avant-garde multilingual play “Hamlet/Fantômes,” featuring a cast of eight actors who collectively portray the Danish prince, performing in English, French, German, and Russian. This inventive staging explores the haunting legacies that continue to shape modern society. Concurrently, his intense film “The Disappearance of Josef Mengele” follows the infamous Nazi doctor’s flight to South America, shedding light on the silent networks that facilitated his evasion of justice. During their discussion, Serebrennikov delves into profound themes such as mortality, authoritarian regimes, the experience of exile, and the transformative power of art to break down walls rather than build them.
Exiled Russian Director Kirill Serebrennikov Confronts Absolute Evil in Daring New Films on Hamlet and Mengele
