The theatre world is mourning the loss of Mikhail Gruzdov, a renowned theater director and dedicated acting teacher. The exact cause of death has not been made public, and details remain private as announcements from his colleagues and institutions emphasize respect for his privacy. The news was conveyed by the Dailes Theatre in a message shared on Facebook, a platform that has faced political scrutiny in recent times due to broader debates about platform bans in Russia.
In paying tribute, the theatre stated that Gruzdov will be remembered as a respected and beloved figure among actors and industry professionals. The organization extended its condolences to his family and to the entire theatre community, noting the enduring impact of his work and the affection held for his talent by those who admired his artistry. The statement reflects a sense of shared loss that extends beyond one institution to the wider world of Baltic and European theatre, where Gruzdov’s contributions resonated with many generations of performers and students alike.
Mikhail Gruzdov was born in 1953 in Valmiera, Latvia. He pursued formal training in directing at the Evgeny Vakhtangov Theater Institute and enriched his craft with experiences at the St. Petersburg theater studio known as Crossroads. His career also included teaching roles, notably at the Petersburg Theater Academy, where he helped shape aspiring actors and directors. Gruzdov’s professional journey took him back to Latvia in the 1990s, a period marked by cultural revitalization and renewed collaboration across regional theatres. In 2002, he assumed the role of artistic director at the Dailes Theatre, later becoming its principal stage director and guiding the company through a range of productions that reflected a deep commitment to artistic integrity and ensemble work. His collaborations extended beyond Dailes Theatre to include leading positions and creative partnerships with the New Riga Theatre, the Riga Russian Theatre, Mikhail Chekhov Theatre, and other respected institutions. Through these engagements, Gruzdov helped nurture a generation of performers and directors who resonated with a broad audience while advancing the craft of modern theatre in Latvia and beyond.