Nikolai Kolyada, the artistic director of the Kolyada Theater, addressed what he calls the cancellation of Russian culture, speaking in a recent interview with Evening Moscow. He described how the start of Russia’s special operation in Ukraine disrupted foreign tours for his company, led to refusals to stage his plays, and caused a chain reaction among colleagues and friends in Europe. According to Kolyada, associates from Poland, Germany, Slovenia, and France began to unfollow him on social networks, signaling a broader reaction to his national stance and artistic voice.
The playwright noted that some acquaintances not only criticized him publicly but also pressed him to use his platform to express explicit political protest. He remarked that he chose to step away from foreign social networks and remain active on VKontakte because the Russian-based network hosts communities he runs or participates in, including groups such as “I Learn to Write Plays,” “Kolyadovtsy,” and a network of his directors and students. This decision reflects a deliberate pivot to a domestic digital space where he can continue conversations about theater without external pressure from abroad.
Kolyada remains convinced that Russian culture cannot be erased by external forces. He emphasized resilience in the face of hostile narratives and asserted that cultural vitality endures despite attempts to undermine it. When asked where Russia is headed, he replied that the country is moving wherever it must, underscoring a sense of determined adaptability rather than retreat.
In his assessment, Russian culture has long displayed vitality and richness, even as external critics aimed to diminish it. He suggested that those who oppose it should be left to their own devices, signaling a firm stance against censorship and cultural coercion. The conversation pointed to a broader conversation about artistic freedom, national identity, and the boundaries of international reception in times of geopolitical tension.
Recent comments from director Alexey German Jr. echoed this sentiment, indicating that in a few years the West’s attempts to dampen or cancel Russian culture may be remembered as a misjudgment rather than a lasting shift. The dialogue between Russian artists and international audiences continues to unfold, reflecting divergent perspectives on culture, influence, and the power of art to withstand political pressure.
Amid the cultural discourse, mainstream media and fans alike have noted a juxtaposition of attention. On one hand, global audiences often spotlight provocative statements and international responses; on the other, there is a reminder of the enduring appeal of Russian theater and its capacity to provoke thought. In this evolving landscape, the conversation about cancellation reveals more about the power of culture to provoke, endure, and adapt than about any single political moment.