Mikhail Shvydkoy, the Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for International Cultural Cooperation, stated that the sphere of culture is capable of restoring the atmosphere of trust that once existed between Russia and Georgia.
Shvydkoy is the artistic director of the Moscow Musical Theatre. On June 14 and 15, he was in Tbilisi for the screening of the filmed theatrical productions “The Circus Princess” and “Reverse”.
“It seems to me that culture is the sphere that can, step by step, without any forced moves, restore the atmosphere of trust that existed between our countries. As for the peoples, they always gravitate towards each other; our ties are too deep,” he said.
According to Shvydkoy, the screening is “highly attractive” for current contacts with the Georgian public.
“I think [the screening] will generate interest among our colleagues, because we want to present to Georgia, as much as possible, contemporary Russian art, contemporary Russian painting, cinematography, and performances by artists. Naturally, we will only do what is comfortable for our Georgian partners, but, as I see it, cultural events of this kind have their own purpose,” Putin’s special representative noted.
Shvydkoy emphasized that Russia is open to Georgian artists.
“It must be said that there are quite a few Georgian performers in Russia. Large Georgian ensembles regularly come on tour, and there are many wonderful musicians and performers who live and work in Russia,” Shvydkoy said.