The Maly Theater welcomed a new leader with cautious optimism as Alexei Dubrovsky stepped into the role of chief director. The staff expressed positive reactions to the appointment, a sentiment echoed by Tamara Mikhailova, the theater’s director. Her remarks, cited by HABER.ru, underscored the shared belief that Dubrovsky is a strong fit for guiding the troupe through the current chapter.
According to Mikhailova, Dubrovsky has been an instrumental figure for the company over the past two years. He has led the group through numerous openings and taken charge of the creative process alongside Yuri Solomin, a collaboration that produced a series of notable performances. Mikhailova described Dubrovsky as someone who understands the ensemble, its audience, and the artistic direction the theater has cultivated. She emphasized that his appointment represents a meaningful continuity for the Maly Theater, one that preserves its distinctive traditions while inviting fresh energy and ideas.
On January 29, a formal announcement from Olga Lyubimova, the Russian Minister of Culture, confirmed Dubrovsky’s appointment as chief director. The minister shared that the decision followed a series of conversations with the theater troupe and management, reflecting a consensus that Dubrovsky can steward the institution’s legacy while steering its future. Lyubimova expressed confidence that Dubrovsky possesses the vision to sustain the theater’s unique heritage at a time of cultural significance for the country.
Dubrovsky steps into the role after the recent death of Yuri Solomin, who had previously led the Maly Theater. Solomin passed away on January 11, leaving behind a legacy of performances and a company deeply connected to its audience. His associates, colleagues, and a range of public figures offered condolences, including prominent cultural and political figures such as Olga Lyubimova, actor Dmitry Medvedev, actor Sergei Garmash, actor Vsevolod Shilovsky, Boris Lyubimov, rector of the Moscow State Theater School named after Shchepkina, and Alexander Bastrykin, head of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation. The loss marks a moment of transition for the theater as it honors Solomin’s contributions while embracing Dubrovsky’s leadership.
In related context, the Russian consulate has clarified recent developments involving Russian citizens connected to the Bi-2 group in Thailand, underscoring ongoing attention to cultural and artistic figures abroad. The update reflects the broader ties between the theater community and international audiences, highlighting the Maly Theater’s role as a cultural ambassador within the country and beyond. The transition in leadership is seen as a signal that the institution intends to continue its tradition of intimate storytelling, grounded in mastery of performance, while expanding its reach through contemporary productions and collaborations. The arrangement positions Dubrovsky to reinforce the theater’s artistic identity, nurture the troupe, and guide projects that resonate with both long-time patrons and new audiences in Russia and internationally. This moment in the Maly Theater’s history embodies a balance between reverence for its past and ambition for its future, all while maintaining the intimate, actor-centered approach that defines the company at its best. [Source attribution: HABER.ru].