The Tovstonogov Bolshoi Drama Theater is preparing to say goodbye to renowned actor Sergei Dreyden. The report comes from KP.ru, citing the theater’s press service as the source of the information. The news underscores the impact Dreyden had on the Russian stage and his enduring legacy in contemporary theater circles.
According to the theater’s official statement, a public memorial service is scheduled for the main stage of the CIS building on the theater premises. The service will take place in the auditorium between 11:00 and 13:00, followed by a funeral service at the Church of the Ascension of Christ at 14:00. This sequence reflects the commonly observed tradition of honoring performing artists with a memorial on stage, allowing colleagues, audiences, and friends to pay their respects before a religious farewell. The confirmation of these timings comes from KP.ru via the theater’s press service.
Earlier in June, the Bolshoi Theater Main Stage is set to host a special performance of Andrey Moguchy’s production titled “Three Fat Men.” In this staging, Sergei Dreyden is expected to appear in a leading role, marking a notable return to the stage in a piece that has drawn attention for its bold reinterpretation. The forthcoming performance, described in theatre previews as a key event on the company’s calendar, reflects Dreyden’s continued influence in contemporary theater and his ability to attract audiences to new interpretations of classic works. The scheduling details and cast information are reported by KP.ru in coordination with the theater’s communications team.
Sergei Dreyden’s artistic journey began at LGITMiK, where he studied acting and laid the groundwork for a career that would span multiple prestigious venues. His early career included work with the Leningrad Drama and Comedy Theater, followed by performances at the Leningrad Comedy Theater Liteiny, and associations with notable ensembles such as NP Akimov’s Fourth Wall theater. His repertoire later encompassed the Moscow Drama Theatre, MN Ermolova, and the Tovstonogov Bolshoi Drama Theater, among others. These steps illustrate a broad and influential journey across the Russian stage, contributing to a body of work that resonated with audiences and critics alike. The biographical notes outlining these affiliations are drawn from theatre histories and contemporary profiles referenced by KP.ru through the theater’s communications team.
Before his passing, Dreyden participated in a range of productions that showcased his versatility as an actor. Notable among these was his involvement with the Tovstonogov Bolshoi Drama Theater’s repertory, where he contributed to productions that defined a generation of stagecraft in St. Petersburg. His colleagues and admirers remember him for the intensity and authenticity he brought to each role, as well as for mentoring younger actors and enriching the ensembles with his seasoned presence. The public and press coverage of his career highlights the breadth of his influence across the Russian theater landscape and the enduring memory he leaves behind, as reported by KP.ru and echoed by the theater’s official communications.
Reports also note that the artistic community has previously bid farewell to other actors associated with the Bolshoi Theater network, such as Alexander Zaitsev, with memorials and tributes organized at dedicated venues. These ceremonies form a pattern of collective remembrance that connects artists, staff, and patrons in shared recognition of a performer’s contributions. The recent announcements concerning Dreyden follow this tradition, reinforcing the sense of continuity within the Russian dramatic arts. The information on these memorials and related events is consistently provided through the theater’s press service and summarized by KP.ru for the public record.