Russian LD Yevgeniy believes that he is very lucky! He works with many completely different and interesting directors, set designers and actors in a variety of theaters in different cities lighting dramas, operas, and even puppet shows. He thinks that now when we see how fragile the world actually is, it is very clear what is and was important.

Robe: Where are you right now?

Yevgeniy: I am in Pushkin, near St. Petersburg. I can see an old stone wall and a park from my window. I always wanted to spend more time with my son and now it has happened.

Robe: What are you doing to fill the time whilst isolating / on lockdown?

Yevgeniy: I try to work. Without quarantine, it would be better! I am trying to advise theater designers and students and soon I will be starting online masterclasses.

I am also looking at different aspects and fixing holes in my own education – there are always some to be found, and I am getting ready to work after quarantine.

Robe: What’s the most creative thing you’re able to do in isolation?

Yevgeniy: Paint a picture, write a play or come up with a director's plan (ha ha) … Actually … I’m not doing any of this!

Most work has a little bit of creativity.

Robe: Are you looking after anyone else during the Covid-19 crisis?

Yevgeniy: My family. My son must keep on learning. My employees have to be paid. I have to care for them all more than ever!

Robe: Has anyone inspired you since this started?

Yevgeniy: Life! It’s beautiful anyway.

Robe: Favourite book / movie / Netflix series / viral video?

Yevgeniy: There is an opportunity to watch movies and now I do that – I like the mastery of Hitchcock and (Swedish film director) Roy Andersson. I like to watch works from the Cohens Collection (rare movie classics) and by Ingmar Bergman, Alejandro Inarritu (Mexico), Wes Andersen (USA) and also enjoy watching “Pinocchio” by Garrone with my son, plus the best performances and operas.

Robe: What’s the first thing you’d like to do when we are through it?

Yevgeniy: There are many important things to do. To visit a hairdresser, to see friends, to travel.

Robe: Own question / answer / message of solidarity or something you’d like to say?

Yevgeniy: Do not give up. There are still many good things.