War and Peace in the Nuclear Age; Bolshoi Ballet production of Anna Karenina

Here demonstrating tonight because I think people should know that there are still people who are being repressed in the Soviet Union that something has to be done about it. I don't think we should be dealing with the Soviets in this way right now because it looks like everything is OK. It makes things look normal and they're not normal. There were a lot of people in the Soviet Union want to leave Jews and other people Christians and other people who want to leave there. They can't leave. And I think this is just making everything look like it's normal over here it's giving the Soviets a good name which they don't deserve at the present time. I think culture exchange is wonderful I think it's wonderful. I think culture of cultural exchange is wonderful and I think family is wonderful. It's just that we're giving the wrong impression to people all across the world in the United States. And. That's. Great. Because it involves a cultural exchange with the Soviet Union.

Were demonstrating here tonight because this cultural exchange in the Soviet Union makes things appear that everything is normal in the Soviet Union. That makes it appear that everything is wonderful for everyone and it's not it's it's miserable for many people. Many people want to leave the country where they can't leave Russia or signed the Helsinki Accords which said that anyone who wants to emigrate from a country is allowed to. And in that order and yet we're making things look like everything is fine like there's no problems. And this just puts a charade out to the American public and the world public. Yes. Yes I believe in that I believe. I believe that we should not be having these cultural exchanges until the Soviets begin to treat people Christians Jews all their people like human beings and not repressing them not taken captive in their country. They should be able to leave their country. They don't like it there. OK since the President Reagan signed the agreement with the Soviet Union

less Jews are being allowed to emigrate now so I don't see we're talking to them has done any good really. I think these are good people I think they just are being duped by the Soviets. I think they coming to a very nice cultural event but they just don't realize the political ramifications. I think he's trying to make it appear that way. Yes. I think Mr. Gorbachev is trying to make it appear that things are being loosened up in this country being made better for his people. But really they're not and definitely not fast enough. And I can absolutely say that. For the same reason that the Russians have pulled the wool over our eyes for many years. OK Mr. Gorbachev I was trying to pull away. Mr. Gorbachev. I was trying to pull the wool over our eyes just as he has for many many years. And it's not just us it's all

countries around him all countries around the world. He's trying to make this country appear to be what it's not just just what the Russians have done for so many years. So I'm sorry. These the leaders of the Soviet Union are coming soon. He's. Trying. Let's try to make the world. OK. Mr. Gorbachev is trying to make the thing. That they are a different type of country than they really are. I think. That they are trying to make changes when do I really don't believe they are I haven't seen them myself. I I see less people being able to emigrate now than before. Gorbachev spoke to Mr. Reagan. Yes I would like for Americans to boycott these these events these cultural events. I would like Americans to boycott these cultural events until the Soviets show that instead of just saying something until they show that they're doing something.

Then that would be fine. I believe in talking to the Soviets. Yes I think that Americans should boycott these cultural events until the Soviets left. The people that don't want to live there go. Are at least at least move in that direction. There's there 400000 Jewish people and I'm sure there are many many more people that are Jewish that want to leave the Soviet Union till he starts to let these people go. I think these cultural events should be boycotted by good people of the United States. I'm in favor of arms control agreements with them but only if they are totally verifiable because I do not trust the Soviets until. Why should we trust them. They've broken so many agreements before this. I'd like to trust them. OK. And I think that will we should gain the trust over time when they show us that they can keep their word. But until then. I will always keep my guard up against him.

I. I think I I I think that the Russians are trying to get these agreements so that they can improve their economy improve improve their military. And in the end we're going to get us economically. But. Yes they're going to go on too. OK just as now the Soviets are trying. To. Launch space ships on a space ship trying to launch satellites for other countries they're trying to make a business of that. And I think a lot of the reason the reason they can do that now is using a lot of the technology they've gotten from the West and I think they want more and more technology from the west so that they can improve their economy. And. Beat the United States economically. Yes. Yes and I don't mean just militarily but in all respects economically as well.

They're using us they're duping us is what I believe in and that's what I will believe until they show us something different. I'd like to see them start to lift large numbers of people emigrate from that country who want to and who've been trying to for so many years I'd like to see them get rid of the rule that says that the people cannot emigrate unless they have a first degree relative living in the country. People that want to leave should be allowed to leave. Where.

Are. You. Going. Tonight to see them. Well I think are a wonderful sense of how it would be like and it was like going to see the Celtics in the belly of. The greatest. World right. Anyway we're at the. End of Eastern European descent that we both love. Music we love Russian music ballet particularly are you. Oh yes we are. Very much so. Pardon. Did you make. Of. It.

Oh I think it's wonderful that the Russians and the Americans to get together and have an exchange system such as this. I think it. Should be more prevalent throughout the country. I think people really appreciate. That. Oh. I think so. It is. And that's the that's the governments that have the warheads and it's the people that are at it when you are the artist when you're really good. You. Know. I said it's the government's side. It is the governments that have the warheads pointed at each other. It's the people. That are the musicians and the artists and the creators. And they're the ones that really represent the spirit of man. Something. That continues on despite war. We have to have. That. That. We. Definitely this is the sort of thing.

Where the people get to know each other without the curvature of integration. And. We have to have. People from each side getting to know each other. And the artist. I'm just I came here last night by the way and I was wondering with those artists while we were clapping for them I would have loved to have known what was going through their heads. For. Those Americans maybe they're really human beings too. I think that that person who tried to tell us. That. You. Have that feeling. OK. Last night I came to see the Friday night. And I just thought. OK I saw the performance of the Bolshoi Ballet. And. When. The artist were on the stage listening to. We in the audience clapping I was wondering what was going through their heads. And I was wondering if they were thinking Gee those Americans are human beings too and they appreciate our artistry. Because certainly. If there could have been encores then there must have been the

desire I think on their part. Maybe we could give them an encore because we kept laughing in the past and compassion for them. We love them. You referenced. Them you wrote for the TV. Are you are you. Ready. To. Play because. Of A. Bust on the world. Trade to see them. Make us. I thought I did. Well I can't just see them because they are of my opinion the best ballet company in the world. I've seen them before. Years ago when they were in Boston. And I saw this guy. In. The dying swan which was just beautiful. I can't believe she's still dancing. So.

I understand she's 62 years old. Well it's ridiculous. But I suppose it's necessary as long as people are greedy and. That will never be a total piece out of a. Bargain. My question. Is. Wow. They have. How many thousand fifty five. All I say is I like Star Wars so I hope they keep that up because I don't trust for. Them. But. That's my opinion. Wow. Dancers and artists are beyond politics. I don't think our Boston Ballet Company had anything to do with their rights. OK. So. You can't blame the performers for what the government does. If they had that choice they'd probably be all too. Thank you all.

Good to hear this. Can you hear that. Hey hey hey. Hey go get it. All. Right. You are here. Oh. I. Know. It's great that we're getting but I don't want to be on TV or any. What's. On the television. You. Know or going bald. I. Just wanted to see you had a lot of the and just Rushlight. Well I. Because.

It's. Great. Where. It gets a rose. So I think it does open many doors and that's such a necessary thing for us to know what is going on and there is something unique in the arts that's maybe the best route location to initiate. Well. I think some of the people that are behind the curtain should come out. Maybe more easily this way. Especially that you wish. That. Around there. I mean I can't tell you how I feel but I do feel very badly when I hear all those stories. I think they should. Be allowed to leave Russia. Yes. Right. Well that may be the first way. Your first step towards removing some of those warheads. Better understanding. Why I'm I'm not that literary.

You. Know I think the arts because it's such a pleasant time to be together. Maybe the very first step towards opening and removing some of those warheads the missiles around there. Is. We're seeing that. Exchange. In. You. Know. I think that's using a heavy hand model for demonstration to release the Jews. But not stopping the exporting of all this artistic material that is in Russia in the United States. At all levels whether it's classical or you or I use the rock n roll. And. So. Yes I do. I as I said we have an environment that's very pleasant very enjoyable. We meet on common ground. And you can exchange ideas and know that it's a very humane feeling.

And it exists there it just has to come out. And what better way. Than to come to a night like this and see the Bolshoi. On this lovely. Morning. Walk. Is.

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Knows. What. I was interested in seeing if there were any real real differences in American and Soviet productions and the color and the presentation and the way the. Choreography was presented in the music and. In. A combination of many many things and I'm very very pleased that what I'm seeing and I'm very. Excited about what I'm going to see for the rest of the evening. I don't think so I don't think that I had. A negative perception if that's what you're referring to begin with. And I unfortunately realized as most Americans do that that the perception that we have of the Soviet people is a political one and that the hardships that we. Expect. In the Soviet Union that we anticipate are caused by political forces not by the people who are just like us.

I think. It shows the leaders in politics that. If there's a cultural understanding between the countries that politics and culture. Mean the same thing that that the understanding is between the powers that be and the people not for the people are willing to reach out. And share the culture. Then then. The real struggle is in politics and the hierarchy not between the people. And I'm very excited to be here because. I'm not a big fan of the way. The summit talks. I'm not a big. Supporter of the the American Soviet political relations that are saying that the warheads will be taken down and disarm. The fact is they. Would probably be. Left to where they are and never disarm to the point. That there will never

be an international. Skeer an international force of warfare. And I don't think in our lifetimes will ever see the end of that. But I think that. That. Part and. I don't think in our lifetime. I don't think that in our lifetime will ever see the end of a. Political Soviet American controversy. And I think that because we have the cultural exchange because we're lucky enough to share things like the Bolshoi ballet that the people who aren't forced to share in the political controversy. Will make more of a dent in national relations and the political controversy. Well. I hope it was OK. I think that the political leadership is going to understand that the pool of the cultural exchange is a

start. To a forced. Political. Harmony between the two countries countries and. All. Because of the cultural exchange. Maybe there is a start for more political peace a little more into the international unrest. I don't think again that there will ever be an end to the international turmoil or the warheads aimed at either country or that the cultural exchange will be the cause of an end to the warheads or the controversy or the political unrest. But I think the American people. Are at least showing that they care enough to get involved in that exchange to show the government the political leadership that they care enough to have contact with the country that there is so much political controversy. Absolutely. I don't think that culture and politics necessarily or ever have to be combined or any conflict. And I think that there will always be a cultural exchange

and I think there always be a political conflict and it's very unfortunate for their governments very unfortunate for our government. But it's very good for our people and their people to have the cultural exchange. And I'm glad I'm a part of it. For. Ballet is one of them. That's. Because the Bolshoi Ballet is one of the finest ballet in the world. And also I think it's very brave of the Russians to bring their male dancers given the track record they've had the last eight times they've come over. I don't know what they do for the political climate. I think it's very important for the different arts

groups to see. What's going on in the East versus the West et cetera. I think it's a hard dance to see what their dance is doing. Most of. I don't think a bunch of young artists dancing are going to make anyone who is politically astute or aware complacent about what's going on in the political scene. I don't know what kind of threat they pose and it's probably the wrong person to ask in terms of. What the story is. I know there are limited resources on this planet and I know there are two very large powers in both parties would like to have those resources and assets. So it's kind. Of. Like. A wonderful idea.

Very much so. Well I saw him once before in down in Houston several years ago. Let's go look forward to seeing him again. Speak in complete sentences. I came to see the Bolshoi perform because I've never seen them before. I thought it would be a good time. I rather thought the show would be a little more. Traditional ballet. But it seems to be quite modern. Well the last time I saw the Russians in Boston was at Fenway Park when several of the Russian the Soviet navy were in. And that was rather entertaining. I think they're very much the same as we are. The nuclear warheads issue is. In my

opinion rather ridiculous. Now. Well I think the perception is that we have the Soviets as we see here at the Bolshoi quite a bit different than some of the feelings that have been generated by some comments from politicians and. Things like that. Warring empires and so on. I think this is rather different. This shows more realistically what Soviets are like in reality I'm sure. Well we have to keep our guard up militarily around the world as time goes by. There are probably 400 wars going on and hundreds of thousands of people being killed in. Third world countries and so on. I think our military guard is. Probably more needed and assistance to.

Those people than it is in regards to the U.S. and Soviet. Well I think it's beginning to thaw. The spring is outside the rains coming down. It's not like it was back in the 50s. It's not the Cold War anymore it's not winter. The spring is coming the rain is coming down. Oh. I always wanted to see the Bolshoi. I think it's a wonderful performance tonight. It's very good for the both of us it's wonderful to see some of your. Time. Here. Well I think it's great for both our countries because we should know

more about Russia and Russia should know more about us and maybe we can live in peace together. And that's what it's all about cultural exchanges getting to know the Russians more than just being a military superpower. They have culture and they have a lot to offer the world and so don't we. And we have the same thing in them. So I think we should both dismantle the nuclear warhead so that we both can live in peace. I think that the United States and the Soviet Union should both dismantle all their nuclear weapons so that the world can have an era of good feeling good peace and prosperity for the next who knows how many generations. It's better to make love than to fight. I agree.

Thank you. All. Right. I've always wanted to see the Bolshoi since I came to Boston in 1978. So the first opportunity I believe that I've had to see them since I haven't been here. Well certainly it's an exciting time to be able to to enjoy the talent of these young Soviets that are here tonight. It gives me a feeling of optimism that possibly the politicians can enjoy making the world a better place just like these artists are doing. Well I'd like to think so. Certainly I'd like to think that the Cold War will be ending. I don't know if that's a naive presumption or not but I think this is a first step towards understanding each other better. An.

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it's been like. This for. An. All in. It's.

In. You. It's been very very rewarding very warm great exchanges they bring in little presents from the Soviet Union every day. Little badges of the 100th anniversary of the Bolshoi little Russian dolls and some of them don't speak much English

managed to communicate incredibly well with just that little phrase book and dictionary and. Mime and have shown a couple of them around town and taking them out to lunch. Well. I think everything that we'd hope it to be. If. I may say. We're going to cut this. Well. Ideally. After having this kind of exchange with one month of intensive rehearsals and you know concerts. And. Back to back strenuous you know rehearsal time. I think it's almost it is. It's funny if it's not in the forward part of anybody's mind. But now finally we have

some wonderful relations between the two countries. It's just that it's so obvious that we're making music together as trite as that may sound. Everyone feels it from the beginning to the end that we're working towards a common goal and it's. It's really lovely very fulfilling feeling. Oh you're so beautiful. So. The countries are so distant distant and the cultures are very different and as they always say music is an international language. I think. In this way we can communicate with each other. Unfortunately. We don't speak Russian. Many of us and many of the Russians don't speak English but on a musical level I think that we've really crossed a lot of borders. And knocked down many barriers. I think that it is very very beautiful experience. I am very glad to be

in Boston. I think that our relations are relations between Soviet Soviet musicians and American musicians. I was very friendly. And we have a very good time here excuse me my English my english is always fine. Yes very very good but very much a book. But this walk I think was very interesting and we have very many pleasure from meeting previous American musicians and to visit the American public's visit and people. It's been a heavy schedule but we've gotten to know each other very well and very sad to leave but we'll keep in touch. With. The. Most important of getting together like that.

Yes of course of course I think that it is a very good to very very very great experience. I think that must be this experience in Soviet Union. Will forward to coming there. But people must just keep meeting one another and showing how friendly and how we can get along. It's. My fingers not what you think of Americans. Oh different now that you're here. Yes America is a very interesting country and to people in all times are very friendly with us. Yes. And when we walked in when we walk in streets yes we see that American like Soviet people. And to me the language.

And to is I am very glad that American people I see how I was so friendly. Yes. So like Soviet like Soviet people excuse me my English. Because. Your hair isn't shot. Yes. Don't listen. Yes. I. Don't understand.

The country the governments. Yes. Have a lot of missiles. Yes. US to you. You to us. Yes but we yes are able to make music together. Yes. What do you think about that. No I think that this relation must be continued. Yes. And I know that Mr. Reagan must be in Moscow and by twenty now by May. And I think this visit will be very interesting for Soviet people and for American people and to all our people. I think the first time I think about peace and about about art about peace about life for our children and friendships and friendships of course. Yes I think this experiment must continue. Yes. Not at all excuse me. Everybody's been talking. Sorry.

Everybody's been talking about the positive aspects. Of the program and there have been some frustrations too. Nobody has spoken about politics at all. I'm Jewish. I look around me and I sincerely wonder if there are Jewish performers. In the orchestra. It's hard. I mean certainly we all want to have good times. But I have many questions about musical life in Russia what it's really like. What people are allowed to be involved in music what people are left out. And. I think there probably are many conflicts. Do you want me to say what I just said again. OK. Some of us have felt very frustrated because of the language barriers we haven't been able to discuss politics at all. I sincerely wonder. If there are any Jewish people in the orchestra. If people are prevented from performing.

Because of their religion because of their political views. I would I'm really concerned. I would like to ask questions but because I don't speak the language I can't and I don't think many people have broached the subject quite honestly. That. You.

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appetite for this. I'm. Sure. I. Want to go. Back. I enjoyed it very much. Let's stay here a second. OK. I'm totally in favor of it. No. I just think we should do the same and return and go to their country. And I'm glad they're here. I'm. Definitely going. To be. Like. Oh it was excellent. We really enjoyed it. I think I think it's very necessary in this case.

Come on get in here. Her absolutely superb training man. Man means everything to me to try to engage in these kinds of exchanges. It's essential. If this can't cut through all the political baloney nothing can. I mean this is. What I see people like us performing. Neutralize everything else. It's amazing. When you. Think about. What. You think it. Is. Well. It. Is. It brings people together and they see what. They see what other people can do with their like. Buy new toys and neutralize all the volatility. You know that's what it's all about the festivals for. And to see people perform like that you just have to like them or respect them or appreciate them them. And. You get to know them on top of that it makes. It makes for Brotherhood which is which is. What. Puzzles for. The. Or.

Performance. Just. The fact that. You. I. Have that it doesn't work head start. China. Here we are. Idiot. It's hideous idiocy. Of. It. It just doesn't make any sense to me. These two these two. These two cultures are too much to lose too much is going for them. So. Is it dwells on the negative instead of on the positive. They're not getting the questions that they don't know when you're ready and you're required to have. That. And. She had she asked about the nuclear warheads. It just doesn't make any sense to target these against each other. The two countries should be working to bring world peace all over. And that's what I think I'm more concerned about nuclear warheads in Pakistan Libya than I am in the USSR. So much more concern in the two countries could get together and work on that. Make. Sure. That. We do have and I.

Think. We do have. Some developing. News. In there. Late. Last. Night. Writing. As. Well. You have to negotiate it you have to keep in dialogue with them. I just I think you have to focus on the positive. You have to focus on. Russia has internal problems. We have internal problems and that that's where the efforts are going to. Be tried. I don't think Russia rolls over in Western Europe and they're not there's not going to be they can't afford a nuclear war. We can't afford nuclear war. With these kinds of exchanges bring people together and. There should be more of them. The other thing I'm sorry about here there wasn't more promotion of this way back in 0 6 months ago. You know I the first I saw but it was the middle of February and the globe. And. But

it's magnificent to see artists like this and just people performing this quality supporting the qualities of performance was like it was just. Perfect. I mean. Just. Self-reflect. And you wonder. How it would be done by a company over here I'm sure it would be a little different. It's. Because it's such a tradition there. The ballet is. Such. Such an age old old tradition of all show. I mean really big. I. Do I think it changes our perception of American perception of the Soviets. Well I hope so. Certainly. I guess I'm sort of that way anyway. I mean said let it sit there front. For those who haven't. You know have been exposed to it and thought about it and it's such an emotional. Connection there to. Music that dance dance. So. I think it's the emotionality of it I think

sort of. Brings people together. But then your friend you said you hope it does some good. He hopes it doesn't cost you. Right. The quality is. It. Is. This. Is. Superb pictures. It's amazing. Anyway we're convinced