Mamed Agayev: Anyone can be proud of good deeds

The Moscow Satirical Theatre is situated on Triumfalnaya Square. It was opened in 1924. It's anniversary is celebrated as the birth of satirical drama in Russia. VK talked to the theatre's manager, Mamed Agayev.


- Your profession is rare and unusual. What does a theatre manager do?

- It's a very hard job, actually. One has to be an artist and a manager simultaneously. I always wanted to be an actor, but then decided that I wouldn't be a good one. So I became an art director. I was undergoing training at the Satirical Theatre and then became its manager.


- Tell me about your life in Azerbaijan. Is it true that started your career in theatre there?

- It was long ago... I have always loved theatre. I worked as an extra and an assistant costumier, when I was still a schoolboy. I was also into singing.


- How was your life when you first moved to Russia?

- It was hard for the first time, but Russians like people who know how to work. I have been living in Moscow for 33 years now and I have been a theatre manager for almost 20 years.


- How has Baku changed since the times of your childhood?

- In those days children loved theatre so much they studied hard not to lose a chance to go to a play. Now children seldom go to the theatre. In Russia it's different. Here schoolchildren still like it.


- When do you feel that you are proud of your native land?

- Unfortunately, many Russians still believe that if a man is an Azerbaijani, he is probably a street trader. It's a pity. In fact there are a lot of talented Azerbaijani people. I know a lot of great actors who were born in Azerbaijan.


- What should Azerbaijani people be proud of?

- Anyone can be proud of good deeds, that's what a man should be proud of.



Interview by Ulker Mekhdiyeva. Exclusively to VK