At a solo Moscow concert, Klara Novikova shares reflections on friends in Ukraine
During a recent solo show in Moscow, comedian Klara Novikova — a native of Ukraine — spoke candidly about the friends she has there. The moment highlighted how personal connections can persist even amid political and military tensions, and it drew attention to the human side of the ongoing conflict. Novikova’s remarks underscored that real friendship endures despite distance and hardship, a topic that resonates in many cities across North America and Europe where audiences follow the lives of artists from the region. (Source attribution: local event coverage)
Novikova explained that she had not visited Ukraine for an extended period due to the fighting, yet she continued to stay in touch with her friends on the ground. Her voices and messages, carried across borders, illustrated how digital communication can bridge physical separation, offering a sense of solidarity when face-to-face meetings are restricted by safety concerns and travel advisories. This personal continuity matters to fans who value authentic connections with performers who share in their memories and experiences. (Source attribution: interview recap)
“I am friends with them to this day,” she said, acknowledging the challenges that come with staying connected. The comedian described moments when the situation becomes difficult, but emphasized that loyalty and empathy remain intact. Her stance reflected a broader expectation among communities affected by conflict: that friendships should survive upheaval, providing support and stability in uncertain times. (Source attribution: live remarks)
Novikova also stated that she does not see herself leaving Russia, where she has spent many years building her career and personal life. The decision to remain, she indicated, is not about denial but about continuity — staying to work, to perform, and to stand with audiences who have followed her work for years. The conversation touched on how artists navigate relocation pressures while trying to maintain a sense of belonging in a country that is closely tied to their professional identity. (Source attribution: backstage commentary)
“Why would I make excuses? I don’t want to do this,” she asserted. Her words suggested a refusal to surrender to political pressure and a commitment to personal integrity and professional focus. The sentiment, voiced in a moment of performance, resonated with many who believe artists should remain free to express themselves and to engage with diverse audiences, even amid geopolitical tensions. (Source attribution: onstage dialogue)
In a moment of reflective fantasy, the 77-year-old performer shared a dream: that at the end of the concert all the weapons in the world would be buried. She read a moving piece, Aunt Sonya’s monologue, a choice that underscored a longing for peace and a future free from violence. The sentiment captured a universal wish for safety and harmony that audiences in North America and beyond can relate to, highlighting how cultural events can become platforms for hopeful messages. (Source attribution: program notes)
Earlier, actor Stas Sadalsky noted that artist Chulpan Khamatova spent extended time abroad after moving from Russia, suggesting that part of this shift stems from limitations on performing opportunities at home. Sadalsky argued that a Russian artist faces constraints on stages in Russia, which he argued can hamper creative expression and career mobility. The discussion reflected ongoing debates within the entertainment industry about where performances can occur and how artists balance homeland ties with opportunities elsewhere. (Source attribution: industry commentary)
In another thread, a separate public figure, Alla Pugacheva’s influence on music and its sharing across borders was touched upon. The conversation highlighted tensions about song ownership and artist collaboration, illustrating how cultural works can become focal points in larger dialogues about ownership, credit, and artistic legacy that span countries and generations. (Source attribution: public discourse)