Mikhail Tank is the founder of Darksoul Theater, a musician and a film director; here is a link to his website:
http://www.mikhail-tank.com/home.html
Q: What is Darksoul Theater?
A: Darksoul Theatre is a trademarked entity of original psychological multi-media art, which I have been in the process of developing since age 12. This has included multiple written, recorded, and audio-visual works (some of which you can find on Amazon, iTunes and other quality internet sources). I have presented live shows in Japan, Canada, California, also the first virtual show via the Edinburgh Fringe (garnering BBC coverage). Additional notable moments include a Guinness Record, and a heartfelt approach which spans art and psychology as a form of creative inspiration and as a form of subjective spiritual healing.
Q: What kind of educational background do you have?
A: I have a strong multi-level background in performance art, having started my education at a young age with personal coaches, later a Bachelor’s degree in the field, followed by schools, seminars and training with the likes of the Stella Adler Academy and the wonderful teacher/author, Gerry Cousins. I have also studied Jungian psychology extensively and presented (in part to Jung’s family) at the Art and Psyche conference, in Sicily (in 2015).
Q: What is a common misconception Americans have about Russia?
A: As an artist, I prefer not to discuss politics, misconceptions are generalizations and I specialize in a personalized ‘Soul approach’ rather than assuming what one culture sees and thinks about another. I can attest to the supposed fact that both cultures are absolutely brilliant in their own right.
Q: How would you describe your music?
A: The music is a Soulful spoken word, with an electronic backbeat, a form of positive possession in the key of Soul. My most recent work is distributed by The Orchard Music Group (parent company, Sony). I am interested in working with record labels to further my upcoming audio projects. An upcoming Halloween album, a collaboration with the multi-talented Brett Bibles, is currently in the works (see working cover art image).
Q: Who are some of your artistic influences?
A: My music tastes range, however some of my favorite music artists are: Irina Allegrova, the Empress of Russian Dramatic Pop, the late and truly great David Bowie, his Russian counter-part Valeri Leontiev, and the original music performance artists, Laurie Anderson and Grace Jones.
Q: What was Soul Photography about?
A: Soul Photography is an original concept which I presented in Tokyo, and later though Scotland (see:http://www.scotsman.com/news/a-virtual-first-for-the-fringe-1-1210205), it deals with storing positive memory energy within — through a distinct process (available on iTunes and Amazon, circa 2009). This is art which can inspire the depth of the Soul and has helped me during difficult times.
Q: How does one set a “Restore point” for one’s soul?
A: Check out the Darksoul Theatre musical art album, Soul Photography for the artistic concepts placed therein. The secret is located in the art: http://www.amazon.com/Soul-Photography-2009-Mikhail-Tank/dp/B005VU6P1C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463645070&sr=8-1&keywords=mikhail+tank+soul+photography
Q: What is the “Dollar Baby Film Festival”?
A: Dollar Baby Film Festivals are worldwide events which are the sole screening mechanisms for Stephen King dollar baby films. It is a way to unite fans and create beautiful old-fashioned honeycombs of non-internet film enjoyment.
Q: How did you become involved with it?
A: I am grateful to have directed three official Dollar Baby films, based on stories written by the great Stephen King (whom I consider the Shakespeare of our time). The first two films have screened in multiple countries, appeared in a book about the subject, along with the first being nominated for a German Independence Award. You can find further information about these projects via the following links:
http://www.mikhail-tank.com/king.html
http://mikhailtank.com/dollar_baby_films
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1026237/awards?ref_=nm_awd
Q: What kind of day job do you have and how does it influence your work?
A: I’m a student in the field of Jungian psychology, along with being an author, radio host, and creative consultant/director.
Please note; Eliza’s interviews are done by email. All answers are unedited and come right from the lovely fingertips of her subjects.
