A farewell ceremony for actress Ekaterina Vasilyeva took place at the Maly Theater in Moscow, with the event held in the foyer of the Historical Stage. In addition to colleagues and fans, Vasilyeva’s husband, actor Dmitry Voronin, attended to pay their respects to the performer, marking a poignant moment for the theater community and admirers alike.
Colleagues reflected on her career, noting her professional approach, notable talent, genuine warmth, and heartfelt stage presence. Alexey Dubrovsky, the chief director of the Maly Theater, described Vasilyeva as someone who consistently demonstrated high standards of craft and a sincere commitment to every role she embraced on stage. The remarks underscored a perception of her artistry that extended beyond technical skill, highlighting the authenticity that she brought to each performance.
Vasilyeva’s educational ties were also emphasized. Boris Lyubimov, the rector of the Shchepkin Higher Theater School, recalled her as one of the most gifted students to come through the institution. After completing her studies, she continued to contribute to the school as an instructor, helping to shape the next generation of theater artists and passing along the lessons she had learned during her own ascent in the profession.
The actor’s biography noted that Vasilyeva was born on April 28, 1987, in Belarus. She completed her training at the Higher Theater School in 2011 and began performing on the stages of the MS Shchepkina and the Maly Theater. Among her early works, she appeared as Olga Solomina in the production The Deadline, a role that marked the beginning of a prolific stage career. Over the years, she accumulated a number of performances at the Maly Theater, contributing to its rich repertoire with a total of 15 onstage roles that showcased her range and dedication to the craft.
Reports confirmed that Vasilyeva’s life was recent and abruptly interrupted. Word circulated that she was involved in an accident at the theater on August 15, and that she passed away at the age of 37. The information stirred an outpouring of condolences and reflections from colleagues and audiences who had admired her work. News coverage has also referenced the possibility that a subway incident may have played a role in the tragedy, a detail that has prompted official inquiries and further clarification from authorities and theater representatives. The evolving story has been treated with sensitivity by the community, focusing on the memories of her performances and the impact she had on those who watched her grow as an artist [citation: TASS].