Between February 5 and February 22, the Lenkom Theater presents the premiere screenings of the stage adaptation Running, inspired by Mikhail Bulgakov. The production is directed by renowned theatrical artist Alexander Lazarev, bringing a fresh interpretation to a classic voice from Russian literature. The news was communicated by the state news agency at the time of announcement.
For Lazarev, the project carries personal significance. He recalls that watching a previous production at the Mayakovsky Theater, a performance titled Don’t Run, left a lasting impression on him when he was younger. That moment helped crystallize his career path and his determination to pursue a life in the performing arts, shaping the choices that followed in his professional journey.
The creative team behind Running features Nikolai Parfenyuk as the composer, Mikhail Kolegov handling choreography, and Olga Nikitina overseeing the script and costumes. The cast is a blend of seasoned performers and rising talents, including Maxim Averin, Andrey Leonov, Igor Mirkurbanov, Victoria Solovyova, Sergei Piotrovsky, and a number of other notable artists who contribute to the production’s distinctive energy and mood.
Averin, who reprises a commanding presence on stage in this new project, commented on the honor of taking part in a theater with such a storied history. His previous role as White General Grigory Charnota is recalled as a testament to the range and depth he brings to the current portrayal, underscoring the ensemble’s commitment to delivering a powerful onstage experience.
Earlier announcements referenced additional collaborations as part of a broader wave of programming, noting that the Chekhov Moscow Art Theater would also stage performances at the Alexandrinsky Theater, signaling a broader pattern of cross-institutional artistic exchanges within the season. This shift reflects the vibrant current landscape of Russian stage theater, where historic houses continually introduce new interpretations of classic works while nurturing contemporary voices and innovative staging approaches.