Controversy Surrounds Einstein and Margarita: Theater Plans and Political Scrutiny
The production of Einstein and Margarita, featuring Ksenia Rappoport and Alexei Serebryakov, is moving forward at the Variety Theater as scheduled, according to the theater’s administration. RIA News reports that the venue confirms there have been no cancellations and that everything remains on track. The theater itself echoed this sentiment, stating that all arrangements are in place and the plan is proceeding without deviations.
Earlier, there were conflicting reports about the show’s status. One source claimed that the performance, which includes Serebryakov and Rappoport, was canceled following protests from local activists. Initially, the production was postponed, and later it was reportedly removed from the theater’s slate. A similar fate befell a related performance in Novosibirsk that was scheduled for June.
On February 4, Vitaly Borodin, who leads a Federal Security and Anti-Corruption project, indicated he would petition the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Russian Federation to examine the actors Ksenia Rappoport and Alexei Serebryakov regarding possible foreign financing. An activist associated with the inquiry clarified that if the allegations prove true, there could be grounds to add the artists to a list of foreign agents. This potential designation would carry significant professional and legal implications for the actors involved. [citation: RIA News]
Earlier remarks from Bulanova touched on the actors’ admissions, or lack thereof, to theater officials, highlighting continuing scrutiny around the production and its reception. The evolving narrative points to a broader tension between artistic programming and political oversight, a dynamic that continues to shape speaking notes, audience turnout, and the theater’s future lineup. [citation: Theatre administration statement]