Acknowledging the Golden Mask Winners Across Russian Stages
During a ceremony at the Moscow Academic Musical Theatre, named after Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko, the winners of Russia’s prestigious Golden Mask awards were announced. The event was reported by TASS and captured as a milestone for the country’s performing arts community.
The Perm Academic Theatre-Teatr-Teatr earned a Golden Mask in the category for the best performance in an operetta or musical for its production Three Comrades. The work was praised for its lively orchestration, sharp book, and cast synergy, illustrating how contemporary theatre can fuse classic storytelling with modern stagecraft.
In the opera category, the Moscow-based New Opera theatre delivered a standout production titled Dead City, directed by Kolobov. Critics highlighted the production’s dramatic intensity, evocative set design, and daring musical interpretation, underscoring the venue’s role in shaping cutting-edge opera within the national theatre landscape.
The field of modern dance honored the Ksenia Mikheeva Project together with the staging of The Place Not Yet by the Union of Theatre Workers of Russia, based in St. Petersburg. This pairing was celebrated for its innovative movement language, bold choreographic choices, and the way the piece interrogates time, space, and memory on stage.
Another highlight came from the ballet category with Katarina or the Thief’s Daughter, staged by the Krasnoyarsk Opera and Ballet Theatre. The production was recognized for its lush imagery, expressive movement, and a narrative that blends myth with contemporary insights into desire and power.
Among individual recognitions, Yevgeny Pisarev was acknowledged as the best director for bringing the cabaret into a compelling musical form at the Theater of Nations. Tatyana Vinogradova received the Golden Mask for her direction and performance in Three Comrades, reinforcing the Perm Academic Theatre’s standing as a beacon of versatile musical theatre.
The acting field saw Alexandra Ursulyak awarded Best Actress in an Operetta or Musical for her portrayal of Sally Bowles in Cabaret. Oleg Savtsov took home the Best Actor prize for his portrayal of the Master of Ceremonies, the Entertainer, while Elena Shanina earned the Supporting Actress award for her nuanced portrayal of Frau Schneider in Cabaret. These performances underscored the enduring resonance of the musical Cabaret within contemporary Russian theatre circles.
In the dance-acting crossover category, Elena Svinko was celebrated as Best Actress in Ballet or Contemporary Dance for her compelling portrayal of Katarina in Katarina or The Thief’s Daughter, a role that demanded technical precision and emotional clarity. The night’s choreography honors went to Slava Samodurov for Dancemania at the Bolshoi Theatre, recognizing a contemporary dance production that pushed the boundaries of classical staging. Anton Grishanin, also associated with Dancemania, was acknowledged for his conducting in ballet and contemporary dance, highlighting the collaborative nature of large-scale dance projects.
The Golden Mask ceremony thus painted a broad, vibrant portrait of Russia’s theatre scene—one where operetta, opera, modern dance, ballet, and musical theatre intersect, each contributing a distinct voice to the national culture. The awards underscored how regional theatres and major institutions alike nurture talent, foster innovation, and connect traditional forms with new, ambitious audiences. The mix of premieres, revivals, and audacious reinterpretations reflects a cultural ecosystem that values both craft and experimentation, encouraging performers, directors, and designers to push creative boundaries while staying rooted in dramatic storytelling. The recognition of these productions and artists serves as a barometer for artistic vitality across the country, inviting audiences to experience bold theatre that speaks to diverse contemporary sensibilities.
Overall, the Golden Mask celebration highlighted the resilience and versatility of Russia’s performing arts. It showcased a range of voices—from seasoned stage veterans to rising talents—each contributing to a dynamic national repertoire that resonates with audiences in Canada, the United States, and beyond through touring, co-productions, and shared artistic dialogues. As critics note, the winners reflect a theatre culture that prizes inventive staging, strong ensemble work, and performances that invite meaningful reflection while entertaining deeply. The ceremony, reported by TASS, thus stands as a snapshot of a living art form continually evolving to reflect current social, political, and cultural currents while preserving a lineage of theatrical excellence.