Update on the Maly Theater’s Artistic Director Yuri Solomin
Concerns about Yuri Solomin, the artistic director of the Maly Theater, surfaced in the days leading up to his hospitalization, according to reports from kp.ru. The theater’s leadership provided the latest details, noting a sequence of events that began at the venue during a rehearsal for a new production.
Andrei Zhitinkin, the theater director, described that on November 3 Solomin attended the initial rehearsal for the new play My Tender Beast, which is adapted from Chekhov’s Dramat on the Hunt. Solomin appeared in a cheerful mood, expressing relief that the piece was prose rather than a fully staged drama. He engaged in light humor, spoke at length about various topics, and remained at the rehearsal for roughly 40 minutes. During this time, he expressed a wish to have a line available to purchase tickets for the show. Zhitinkin recalls Solomin as being in good spirits, joking around with others, and, in a remark that later drew attention, mentioning that Solomin had been drinking more than usual. The director noted Solomin followed up with a clarification that he was taking a number of medications. This point was shared to illustrate Solomin’s candid sense of humor in the moment, rather than a sign of current health concerns.
Following the rehearsal, Solomin left the city and, while traveling from home to the theater on November 5, fell ill on the street. The episode prompted concern and led to medical attention being sought promptly. Health officials and hospital staff reportedly began evaluating his condition after the incident.
In a separate update, the theater indicated that Solomin had undergone medical assessments in 2023 and had been hospitalized after the season commenced in September. The ongoing health considerations have been a subject of public attention, with the institution providing periodic updates on his status as information became available.
Solomin was hospitalized again on Monday, November 6, after losing consciousness in the courtyard of his home. Passersby called emergency services, and he received immediate medical care at the scene before transport to a hospital facility for further evaluation.
There were reports in conversations with certain media outlets suggesting that Solomin might be in intensive care and that parts of his body were affected. The theater’s communications team has not publicly confirmed these specifics, while noting that medical staff are closely monitoring his condition. The situation has prompted reactions from colleagues and fans who hold Solomin in high regard for his contributions to Russian theater.
In related background, there have been various rumors concerning personnel and familial matters within the industry, including discussions around inheritance involving close associates. The theater has urged a careful approach to rumors and remains focused on Solomin’s health and ongoing work.