Russia appoints Nikita Kobelev as Alexandrinsky Theatre artistic director
The Ministry of Culture of Russia confirmed that Olga Lyubimova signed an order appointing Nikita Kobelev as the new artistic director of the Alexandrinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg. The announcement was reported by TASS and highlights a pivotal leadership transition for one of Russia’s historic stages. Kobelev’s appointment marks the beginning of his duties in the role, with the start date set for June 12.
Kobelev is a graduate of the directing department at GITIS, class of 2011. After completing his studies, he began his professional journey at Radio Russia, where he directed several radio plays. His early career also included a tenure as a full-time production director at the Theater named after VI. Mayakovsky, in addition to serving as deputy artistic director.
In 2023 Kobelev rose to the position of chief director at Alexandrinka, where he directed the stage production The Creature. The work earned him the Star of the Theater award, underscoring his growing influence in Russian theatre. His directing projects have been presented on the stages of prominent venues such as the Moscow Art Theatre Chekhov, the Theater of Nations, and Praktika Theater, among others.
On June 10, it became public that Andrian Fadeev, an honored artist of the Russian Federation, was appointed as artistic director of the Mariinsky Theatre ballet troupe. The position had been vacant for three decades, with leadership previously filled on an acting or interim basis before this appointment.
Separately, ballerina Anastasia Volochkova reportedly filed a lawsuit against the Pension Fund over issues related to seniority recognition. The case reflects ongoing discussions about pensions and career records within Russia’s performing arts community.
These developments illustrate ongoing leadership and governance changes within major Russian cultural institutions, alongside broader conversations about artist tenure, recognition, and institutional continuity across the country. — Source: TASS