– How would you describe your profession? How did you choose your career?
Before coming to Russia in 2008, I was a small business owner; I owned and ran a small clothing factory in NYC. I came to Moscow as an English teacher and in 2016, after falling in love with Russian theater, came up with the idea of Stage Russia.
– What motivates you at work?
I think most of us, particularly those who are self-employed, are driven to do as well as we can simply because it’s preferable to failing. Failing at a business you create, I think, is more keenly felt than failing at executing someone else’s idea.
– Which of your projects are the most memorable, why?
Each of the films we’ve done at Stage Russia has its own unique set of memories. Our first, the Vahtangov’s “Eugene Onegin ” I guess is most memorable because it was the first, but all of them were special in their own way. Filming Kama Ginkas’ production of Black Monk was cool, for example, because it’s the only one we shot without an audience. Watching Sergey Makoveskiy at work close up and his incredible attention to detail was magical.
– Do you participate in professional groups? If so, which ones?
I should for sure, but I don’t or at least haven’t yet.
– Please tell us about your family.
My mother was an opera singer and my dad, along with my grandfather and I eventually, worked in a family business. Both are in their 80s now, still very active and living in a suburb outside NYC. I have two children, Sara, 39 and Sam, 34. Sara’s an elementary school teacher and Sam is an electrical engineer. Both are married with wonderful spouses. Sara has two kids, so I’m a proud grandfather.
– How has COVID-19 impacted your work and life?
Not terribly, thankfully. Personally, I’ve been vigilant and lucky to have stayed healthy. My family as well. Workwise, we have a handful of streaming platforms to oversee and develop, and this time away from cinema presentations has given us an opportunity to strengthen that side of our business.
– What do you do besides work? What are your hobbies and interests?
I like to write. I just finished writing a limited tv series set in the Shakespearean landscape that I’m sending around to studios…with my fingers crossed.
– What are your favorite books and films?
I really got into Russian literature when I first came to Moscow (12 years ago). Unoriginally, classics like Crime & Punishment and Anna Karenina are my favorites. I’m a huge fan of Sergey Dovlatov, though I’ve been told he’s even better in Russian. As for western writers, I like John Cheever, particularly his short stories, and Frederick Exley’s “Notes” books. My favorite films are Billy Wilder’s “The Apartment” and Bergman’s “Fanny and Alexander”.
– Do you think Austin will benefit from having a Russian Cultural Center? If so, how would you like to participate?
Yes, very much so. We’ve developed a very strong relationship with the Austin Russian community, largely helped by friendships with professors at UT. We’d love to participate with screenings at a Russian Cultural Center should it come to pass.
– What would you like to wish the Russian-speaking residents of Austin and Texas?
A happy and healthy New Year, of course, and to watch or films for free via public library platforms all around Austin (https://www.kanopy.com/signup/find/publiclibrary)
Contact information:
Eddie Aronoff
Managing Director
Stage Russia
E-mail: eddie@stagerussia.com
Website: www.stagerussia.com
Interviewer: Dmitriy Ovcharenko
Editor: Olga Falkowski
Publisher: Russian Cultural Center