Dmitry Nazarov has spoken about his departure from the Chekhov Moscow Art Theater, describing the events that led to his and Olga Vasilyeva’s dismissal as a consequence of disagreements over the theater’s stance on the Ukraine situation. In a candid recounting that has circulated widely, Nazarov explains that the artistic director Konstantin Khabensky gave him and his wife a formal release from their duties following public criticisms of the special operation in Ukraine. Nazarov says Khabensky offered the defense that the decisions were made to protect the ensemble and the theater, but he challenges that justification, arguing that it was a cover for removing the pair after their stance became controversial.
Vasilyeva aligned with her husband, insisting that there is nothing to apologize for and arguing that their integrity should be judged by their own conscience rather than by external pressures. The actress also suggests the family should be proud of staying true to their beliefs and that there is no reason to feel ashamed about their public remarks. She emphasizes that the couple does not owe apologies and that their current position is stable, underscoring their confidence in how they approached the situation.
The couple’s remarks trace back to March, when Nazarov addressed Khabensky’s decision to end their association with the theater. He characterizes the move as a difficult choice for the leader, who faced the challenge of balancing the theater’s image with the personal convictions of its actors. Vasilyeva has indicated that the theater’s original plan was to limit the spouses’ appearances for a period rather than to remove them entirely, suggesting a staged withdrawal intended to reduce disruption while preserving the company’s core lineup.
Nazarov and Vasilyeva left the Chekhov Moscow Art Theater in January amid ongoing public debate about the actors’ anti-government statements and their criticism of Russia’s actions in Ukraine. The end of their tenure came amid broader conversations about artistic freedom, political accountability, and the responsibilities of cultural institutions in times of national tension. The incident has sparked discussions among theater communities and audiences about the balance between personal expression and organizational policy, as well as about the consequences faced by artists who publicly challenge official narratives. (Source attribution: notable Russian media coverage)