A sanitary and epidemiological inspection led to a decisive measure in St. Petersburg: the Maly Drama Theater – European Theater was sealed by Rospotrebnadzor due to violations connected with public health standards. The theater has been temporarily closed as the case moves through the legal process, with the agency confirming the action to TASS and outlining the steps taken to protect the population.
In the course of the inspection, a substantial number of breaches of public health laws were identified, signaling serious gaps in the theater’s compliance with health and safety regulations. The press service of Rospotrebnadzor stated that a protocol had been issued permitting a temporary ban on the theater’s activities as of May 5, 2023, reflecting the severity of the findings and the immediate need to suspend operations until the matter is resolved in court.
The doors of the MDT will stay sealed pending a court decision. From inside the theater, officials described the predicament as an unavoidable disruption to the institution. The situation is especially painful for the staff and performers. Ticket sales continue to operate at the box office, yet audiences cannot attend performances. The theater administration has emphasized that the organization remains functional in terms of administration and services, but performances are on hold and no public events are scheduled until further notice.
Earlier reports indicated that on April 22, MDT announced a postponement of the second performance featuring actor Danila Kozlovsky, titled Deceit and Love, moving it to a later date. Prior to that postponement, Hamlet with Kozlovsky in the lead role had been rescheduled from April 20 and 21 to May 21 and 22. The reasons behind these postponements were not disclosed at the time, and further details about the scheduling changes were not provided in the update from the theater.
Experts note that temporary suspensions in theaters often prompt broader discussions about compliance with health standards in cultural venues, audience safety, and the responsibilities of institutions hosting live performances. The MDT situation serves as a concrete example of how health authorities coordinate with cultural organizations to address violations and ensure public safety while the legal process unfolds. Stakeholders, including theater staff, performers, and patrons, are watching closely as the case progresses through the court system, awaiting further guidance on when operations can resume and what remediation steps will be required to meet established health guidelines.
For audiences planning to attend events in St. Petersburg or similar cities, officials advise staying updated through official channels for any new information about dates, refunds, and the potential rescheduling of performances. The incident underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and clear communication between authorities, theater management, and the public to maintain confidence in cultural institutions during enforcement actions. As investigations continue, the theater community and its patrons remain hopeful that appropriate measures will be implemented to restore safe, compliant, and engaging cultural experiences as quickly as possible.