In a conversation with the artist Nikas Safronov, a memory surfaced about the Maly Theater’s artistic director Yuri Solomin and a portrait that once met with his quiet dismissal, deemed unworthy at the time.
Even with titles and prestige, Solomin carried himself with warmth, never letting status overshadow courtesy. He spoke with others in a calm, respectful manner, and his modesty stood out to Safronov. In the early 2000s, Safronov suggested painting Solomin’s portrait. The director’s response was polite but reserved: “I am not worthy,” he said, a phrase that stuck with the artist.
Rather than accept an outright refusal, Safronov invited Solomin to his studio so the master could assess the work from a distance, to see the painter’s approach and understanding. The invitation marked a turning point. Solomin agreed to sit for a short session, enough for Safronov to capture the essence of the man and the aura he radiated on and off the stage. The resulting portrait traveled beyond the studio walls, receiving applause from audiences and praise from those who knew the real Solomin, who appreciated the drawing and the sincerity it conveyed.
People from every corner of the theater circle—friends, family, colleagues, and the troupe at the Maly Theater—held him in deep affection. Safronov observed that very few actors had earned such wholehearted love from an entire artistic community. The warmth and generosity Solomin showed to others left a lasting impression, giving the impression of a maestro who valued human connection as much as professional achievement.
Looking back, Safronov’s memory of Solomin becomes a testament to how art can be shaped by humility and mutual respect. The portrait stands as a quiet tribute to a director who believed in the power of dialogue and the dignity of every person who crossed his path. The story, though concise, highlights a truth that resonates within the theater world and beyond: greatness is measured not only by titles but by the sincerity with which one treats others in the daily hum of work and life.
In related reflections, Sergei Bezrukov has spoken about roles that surprised audiences. The reminder underscores how the theater and cinema worlds are rich with moments when reputations bend under the weight of unexpected performances and the evolving understanding of what greatness can look like on screen and on stage.