In Saint Petersburg, the artistic director of the VF Theater passes away at eighty
In Saint Petersburg, the artistic leader of the VF Theater, Viktor Komissarzhevsky Novikov, died at the age of 80. The news came from TASS through the family, with his daughter Katerina Novikova confirming the loss. Novikova shared that her father departed about two hours before the message and died at home after battling an illness. She noted that despite his illness, he had still attended the theater in recent days, underscoring his lifelong devotion to the craft and the stage.
Novikov’s career at the VF Theater began in earnest after Viktor Komissarzhevsky joined the troupe in 1968. The connection to Komissarzhevskaya, the famed theater founder, dates back to the late 1960s when she had already established a foundational path in Leningrad’s cultural landscape. Novikov served in several critical roles, including deputy chief director of literary affairs and deputy director of repertoire, where he worked closely with playwrights and oversaw the literary direction of productions. His leadership helped shape the theater’s artistic identity during a pivotal era of Russian stage history. He ultimately rose to the post of Artistic Director for the theater that now bears his own name, a testament to the lasting influence he exerted on its programming and culture. In 1992, he was officially appointed the artistic director, a role in which he guided multiple generations of performances and collaborations.
On January 28, a separate remembrance ceremony marked the unveiling of a monument to Vasily Lanovoy, recognized as a People’s Artist of the USSR, who passed away in 2021. The monument, crafted from a granite slab, features an Orthodox cross carved in the middle. In front of the monument sits a bust of Lanovoy, honoring the actor’s enduring legacy within Russian cinema and television. This tribute took place at the Novodevichy Cemetery in Moscow, reflecting the country’s commitment to commemorating influential figures in the performing arts. The event stood as a reminder of the close links between theater, television, and film in the cultural fabric of Russia. (Citation: TASS)
In related news, the acting world mourned the passing of Alexey Sdobnov, known for his work in television series such as “Chikatilo” and “Sklifosovsky.” Reports indicate that he died in a car accident at the age of 58. Sdobnov’s death adds another chapter to the recent wave of losses within the Russian acting community, highlighting the impact of these artists on screen and stage alike. (Citation: TASS)
Additionally, recollections have been shared about an actor who played the doorman in the popular film “Yolki,” whose passing was noted by fans of the film. The news underscores how a wide circle of performers, from stage veterans to beloved film personalities, leaves behind enduring legacies that continue to influence contemporary audiences. (Citation: TASS)