David Stone, 42, artist

I am quite fond of the theatre, even though I don't go there too often. In my opinion, the value of the theatre is rather the same as of art in the broad sense of the word: it is the focus of the spiritual life of the nation. As for the contemporary theatre, I think that it sadly lacks genuine настоящей poetry , harmony and heroic spirit. The prevailing ten­dency of today is to stage ставить the tragedy in such a way that it loses its noble spirit and lofty возвышенные passions. I don't think that is the appropriate way to bridge перекрывать the gap between, let us say, Shakespeare and the con­temporary audiences. Somehow, Shakespearean atmosphere should be preserved. I am all for high tragedy .