The International Pacific Theater Festival remembers Valery Shadrin
The International Pacific Theater Festival is being dedicated in memory of Valery Shadrin, a towering figure in Russian theatre who served as the Director General of the Chekhov International Theater Festival and as President of the International Confederation of Theater Associations. News reports from TASS, relayed through Yevgeny Mironov, who leads the Theater of Nations, confirm this poignant tribute and its significance for the broader theatrical community.
In a recent discussion, Yevgeny Mironov reflected on the festival’s legacy and on the last collaboration he shared with Shadrin. He recalled the most recent project that connected their efforts: the International Pacific Theater Festival held in Vladivostok. Mironov noted that the festival had already enjoyed a successful opening, emphasizing the momentum and the positive reception it received from artists, critics, and attendees alike. The reaffirmation of this success underscores Valery Shadrin’s enduring impact on regional and national stages, where his leadership helped to shape contemporary theatre dialogues and artistic exchange.
For the People’s Artist of Russia, Shadrin’s influence extended beyond administrative roles. He was credited with crafting a compelling program for a second edition of the festival, which was slated to take place in September 2023. However, before the press conference could take place, his health began to fail, casting a shadow over what would have been another milestone in the festival’s ongoing evolution. This turn of events highlighted the human dimension behind festival planning, where the energy and vision of a single leader can rally participants, influence repertoire choices, and inspire younger artists to pursue ambitious, collaborative projects.
Mironov paid tribute to Shadrin’s contributions, describing him as an extraordinary theatrical figure who left a lasting imprint on the development of Russia’s theatrical culture. The sentiment captures not only the respect of peers but also the broader acknowledgment within the arts community that leadership, mentorship, and a clear artistic direction are critical to sustaining vibrant theatre ecosystems. By honoring Shadrin in the festival’s architecture and programming, organizers aim to celebrate a life committed to elevating the performing arts and expanding opportunities for creative exchange across borders.
Valery Shadrin’s passing was announced by hospital authorities after a prolonged illness. The precise timing of the farewell ceremonies remained to be confirmed at the time, leaving colleagues and fans to reflect on his career and the legacy he leaves behind. In the wake of his death, theatres and cultural institutions have reiterated their commitment to carrying forward his ideals, ensuring that the conversations he helped ignite continue to unfold in stages, festivals, and collaborative projects that connect audiences with bold, innovative theatre from across the region and beyond.