The Lenkom Theatre’s director, Mark Varshaver, spoke on the program Once, highlighting the strengths of two of the company’s performers, Tatyana Kravchenko and Olesya Zheleznyak. He described how their presence on stage consistently elevated the ensemble and contributed to the theater’s distinctive voice, underscoring the depth and versatility they bring to every production.
As an example, Varshaver pointed to Olesya Zheleznyak, noting that she rose to become a central figure among Lenkom’s leading actresses. He explained that this ascent was not accidental but the result of sustained artistry and a deep commitment to her craft. According to him, Zheleznyak embodies a rare combination of technical skill, emotional clarity, and stage presence that resonates with audiences, making her one of the company’s most reliable and compelling performers. He also praised Tatyana Kravchenko, calling her a genuine folk artist who connects with viewers through authenticity, warmth, and an ability to infuse every role with a memorable, human texture. Varshaver cited their work in the play Under the Same Roof as a clear demonstration of their talents, illustrating how two distinct artistic strengths can complement one another to create something that feels both intimate and universal.
Within Lenkom’s company, Varshaver also singled out director Roman Samgin, a former student of Mark Zakharov, for his creative vision and bold staging choices. Although he admitted there was initial bias, the director’s honesty about his early reservations gave way to a genuine appreciation once he observed how Samgin approached his production. That shift in perspective highlighted Varshaver’s commitment to judging theatrical work on merit rather than reputation, recognizing the risk-taking and innovation that Samgin brought to the theater’s repertoire.
Varshaver did not shy away from discussing the pressures and unpredictable nature of leadership in a prominent performing arts institution. He noted that during his tenure there were moments when a sizable portion of the troupe faced limited opportunities or inconsistent performance schedules, sometimes due to the demanding pace or conflicting creative directions. He described these challenges candidly, emphasizing that despite the immense talent present, the ability to sustain a steady, high-quality output sometimes proved elusive. Yet, he remained confident in the core strengths of Lenkom, pointing to the resilience of the company and its capacity to evolve through tough circumstances, take on new material, and nurture a generation of performers who could carry the tradition forward with integrity and vigor.
Earlier remarks attributed to Varshaver touched on the health and well-being of fellow artists, noting that Gleb Panfilov appeared to recover gradually after a serious stroke. The comments reflected a broader concern for the cast and crew, acknowledging that the personal well-being of involved artists often parallels the success of the company’s productions. The sentiment conveyed a sense of solidarity and shared responsibility, reinforcing the notion that Lenkom’s strength lies as much in its people as in its stagecraft and repertoire.