A public disagreement surfaced during the premiere of The Cherry Orchard at the Bronnaya Theater, where Konstantin Bogomolov challenged director Mikita Ilyinchik in a public exchange on the theater’s microblog. The artistic director’s remarks drew attention as a moment on the edge of controversy, with audiences reacting to what some saw as a clash over tone and authority in the production.
Earlier reports noted that portions of the audience reacted with anger when the 46-year-old director was openly critical of what he described as a lack of arrogance and of the performance’s alignment with established theatrical standards often associated with the Moscow Art Theatre School, commonly referred to by its acronym MKhAT.
On social media, Bogomolov defended the collaboration and the creative risk involved. He asserted that the disagreements were not a sign of scandal but rather a legitimate dialogue about the aesthetics and direction of the piece. He described the production’s ending as a deliberate, nuanced discussion about the theatre itself and stated that he appreciated Mikita Ilyinchik’s delicate and graceful approach to the material.
The director also emphasized a fondness for theaters that are capable of laughing at themselves. In a nod to a well-known saying, he noted that performers and audiences alike should sometimes step back and reframe their perspective, inviting a sense of playfulness in the rehearsal room and on stage.
Ilyinchik acknowledged that some audience members misinterpreted the intended dialogue but appreciated the intensity of their response. He stressed that the events had succeeded in provoking a strong emotional reaction, which is often a sign of meaningful engagement with live theatre.
Regarding the show’s format, the production team described the final scene as an impromptu, conceptual discussion about the nature of modern theatre. This approach reflected the project’s vibrant and volatile character, aiming to challenge conventional expectations while inviting ongoing conversation about how contemporary performances are created and received.
Earlier reports suggested two controversies surrounded the premiere of The Cherry Orchard in Bronnaya. First, the prospect that Natasha Maksimova, a performer who identifies with a transgender identity, might take the role of Ranevskaya generated substantial discussion. Plans reportedly shifted, and Maksimova was not ultimately invited to the part.
A second point of contention arose when Bogomolov bowed at the premiere and publicly criticized Ilyinchik for what was described as arrogance and a lack of MKhAT-style intonations. The critique suggested that such elements could impede broad audience appeal. The artistic leadership emphasized the goal of filling the theater and engaging a wide audience, rather than presenting a purely aesthetic performance that might limit attendance to a niche.