Plans for a tour by the Lenkom theater with director Mark Zakharov’s troupe to Israel have been postponed in light of security threats that were directed at the company. This development was confirmed in an interview with DEA News by theater director Mark Varshaver, who explained that the touring schedule had to be adjusted to protect the cast and crew. The group had been slated to perform at the Habima Theater in Tel Aviv beginning on October 29, but those performances were canceled as a precaution.
Varshaver emphasized that a concerning atmosphere had arisen around the planned visit. A crowd of individuals linked to a Moscow-based faction, described by him as a hooligan contingent led by a well-known actor named Anatoly Bely, began issuing threats aimed at stopping the Lenkom ensemble from undertaking its Israel tour. The theater leadership weighed the risks carefully and concluded that preserving the health and safety of artists and staff took precedence over any touring ambitions. He noted that the Lenkom company would have travelled with a large team, approximately a hundred people, which would have amplified the potential risks and complications of proceeding under the present conditions.
The decision, Varshaver said, was communicated to the Habima Theater management as a postponement rather than a cancellation. The aim was to allow more time for a safer environment to be established, with the hope that the tour could be rescheduled for a later date when the security situation would permit performances without fear. The postponement also reflects sensitivity to the well-being of all participants, including technicians, stage managers, and logistical staff who travel with a touring company.
Fans and ticket holders in Tel Aviv and across other participating cities took notice as tickets for the Israeli engagements quickly sold out in a short span of time. Varshaver acknowledged the disappointment felt on the part of audiences who had anticipated the Lenkom appearance, underscoring that the decision was not made lightly but was driven by a genuine concern for safety. He expressed regret that those who had already purchased seats would have to wait longer to see the production on stage. The theater’s management pledged to keep ticket holders informed about new dates as soon as they could be confirmed, and to work with venues to minimize further disruption.
Anatoly Bely, the actor who reportedly left Russia a day prior to these developments, publicly criticized the Israeli tour plans via social media. Reports indicate that Bely urged supporters to sign a letter protesting the Moscow troupe’s proposed Israel engagement, and his online activity coincided with the emergence of threats that affected the tour schedule. In response, the tour organizers took measures to ensure the safety of their personnel and to prevent any escalation that might endanger participants. The situation illustrates how political tensions and actor-led protests can intersect with cultural exchange programs, sometimes creating a climate that makes on-the-road performances impractical or unsafe.
From the perspective of the Lenkom company, the postponement is framed as a prudent choice aimed at protecting performers and staff while maintaining the integrity of the tour’s artistic plans. The leadership indicated that when conditions allow, the company remains committed to bringing its repertoire to Israeli audiences and to colleagues at Habima. The postponement does not signal a retreat from international collaboration; rather, it signals a temporary pause with safety as the foremost consideration. The production team will monitor the situation, coordinate with partner theaters, and pursue revised tour dates that balance artistic goals with the practical realities of security and travel in the current environment.
There is also a broader takeaway about how performing arts exchanges intersect with real-world risks. The Lenkom case underscores the importance of contingency planning in touring productions, including risk assessments, clear communication with venue partners, and transparent dialogue with fans. It also highlights the responsibilities of theater leaders to prioritize health and safety and to act decisively when external pressures or threats arise. As discussions continue, both the Lenkom troupe and Habima Theater are expected to revisit the schedule and logistics, aiming to reschedule in a way that safeguards participants while preserving the artistic intent of the tour.
Lastly, the health and well-being of the touring cast remains paramount in all future plans. The Lenkom organization is taking steps to ensure that any rescheduled engagement will feature appropriate security provisions, robust travel arrangements, and contingency options to handle potential disruptions. While the current postponement may disappoint eager audiences, it stands as a testament to responsible leadership that places people first and art second in the face of risk. The community awaits updates as the situation evolves, hopeful for a safe path forward to bring the production to stages beyond Moscow and into Israel at a time when it can be enjoyed without fear or compromise.