Moscow Satire Theater to Resume Main Stage Performances on February 2 After Fire Incident
Plans for a return to the stage at the Moscow Satire Theater are moving ahead with a restart on February 2. The theater’s press service conveyed the update through Telegram, detailing the measures in place to restore normal operations and reassure audiences about upcoming performances.
The press service explained that the production of The Taming of the Shrew, which had been scheduled for Thursday, February 1 on the main stage, was canceled as part of ongoing restoration efforts aimed at bringing the venue back to full functionality. Ticket holders and audiences were informed of the cancellation as part of the theater’s schedule management during the recovery period.
In its communications, the theater noted that refunds equal to the canceled performance would be issued to viewers in the near term. The refund process will follow standard procedures to ensure patrons receive appropriate reimbursement for the affected show.
In the wake of the incident, the Satire Theater announced that through February 4 a limited slate of demonstrations and public events would continue as planned within the constraints set by the fire’s aftermath. These activities are intended to keep the cultural program accessible while essential restoration work proceeds, and they reflect the institution’s commitment to staying engaged with its audience during this recovery period.
The fire, which occurred on the afternoon of January 28, damaged roughly 350 square meters of the theater building. Early investigations pointed to a fault occurring during ongoing reconstruction work, with reports suggesting that safety standards may have been breached during dome repairs. In the hours immediately after the incident, about 50 people were evacuated as a precaution. Since the event, performances have been suspended to address the damage and to ensure that all safety measures are updated and enforced before any future public events resume.
Earlier updates from St. Petersburg described a separate incident at the Khudozhestvenny cinema, where a fire was also reported. This separate event highlights the broader need for stringent safety protocols in cultural venues undergoing renovation or expansion, emphasizing the shared aim of protecting audiences, staff, and heritage buildings while preserving artistic programming.
Experts and authorities have stressed the importance of rigorous risk assessment and layered safety practices in cultural venues undergoing refurbishment. The Moscow Satire Theater continues to work closely with municipal services to verify structural integrity, fire suppression readiness, and clear emergency evacuation routes. The public is advised to monitor official announcements for any changes to schedules as restoration work progresses and safety assessments are completed. This approach aims to maintain cultural access while prioritizing the safety and well being of all visitors and staff. Attribution: Official communications from the theater and press summaries reported via Telegram and local city authorities.