Vasily Livanov, renowned for portraying Sherlock Holmes in the Russian adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s famed stories, has drawn a sharp line between those who left Russia and those who stayed. He asserted, in a tone that conveyed deep disappointment, that the expatriate performers are nothing more than moral monsters in his eyes. He dismissed Galkin and others like him as insignificant figures whose choices should not be debated or remembered. In his view, there is no value in continuing to discuss those who decided to leave, and society should simply move on, focusing on the work that remains. The sentiment reflected a broader belief held by Livanov that the country’s cultural scene should not be defined by such departures, and that energy would be better spent on creative endeavors rather than on public disputes. He emphasized that the attention once given to these individuals had waned and that the public should turn away from what he calls the moral missteps of those who left, choosing instead to concentrate on what lies ahead.
In recent news, Galkin disclosed a postponement of his concert itinerary in Israel amid the ongoing military confrontation in the region. The planned tour features sixteen performances across Israeli cities, with Beersheba slated as the opening show in November. The postponement comes as a response to concerns over safety and stability in the country, reflecting a careful recalibration of artistic schedules in light of the tense situation. The artist conveyed that the circumstances in Israel remain unsettled and thus a decision was made to postpone every scheduled appearance. As a result, the Beautiful Nearby tour will now commence in the spring of 2024 instead of the originally planned fall 2023 window, signaling a shift in timing while preserving the artistic program for a later date.
Earlier, Konstantin Khabensky announced the first directorial project in his stage career, marking a notable moment for the Russian theatre community. The plan to undertake a directorial venture fits into a broader pattern of actors expanding into creative leadership roles, contributing new perspectives to the performing arts scene. This development has been interpreted by industry observers as a sign of evolving careers, with performers seeking to maximize their influence beyond acting roles and exploring the responsibilities and opportunities that come with directing on stage. The announcement underscored an ongoing interest among prominent Russian performers to diversify their artistic portfolios and to experiment with storytelling from behind the scenes, a trajectory that resonates with audiences and critics alike.