NATALIA ANTONOVA (Russia)-- "My life is eternally split between at least three countries"

Who is your greatest writing influence?

It's hard to say. I think others are always more qualified to make such an assessment. A critic friend once compared my work to the work of Russian screenwriter Alexander Mindadze. 

What makes a great play in your country?

I don't know if there is such a thing as "my country," per se, since my life is eternally split between at least three countries. If we're talking Russia - then that's really hard to say. Are we talking about modern plays, the classics, the popular foreign plays that have found a home in local theaters? Considering the conservative backlash currently going on in Russia, I'd say a great play is a play that gets people talking.

Describe your writing room / process.

I don't have a writing room, I write wherever and whenever. That's what happens when you're always busy/have a small child. I probably get my best ideas in the shower/when I'm walking somewhere, listening to music. I usually make notes on my phone, to look up later.

How do you wake up?

Usually, my kid wakes me up by demanding something or other, as kids do.