Employees at the VF Theatre remember Viktor Abramovich Komissarzhevsky as a guiding presence whose support extended beyond professional duties. Friends and colleagues describe him as a trusted mentor, nicknamed Grandfather behind his back, a man whose personal growth and artistic development inspired many in the troupe. Elena Simonova, an honored artist, recalled how his influence shaped both the artistry and the lives of those around him, highlighting the deep trust that underpinned every interaction at the theater.
Their long association stretches back more than four decades. One veteran performer explained that when they were still studying at the theater institute, Abramovich was a reliable ally for the RS master, always present during auditions and exams. Under his watchful eye, the new generation found not only professional direction but also moral support. The environment at the Dom Theatre, with its strong tradition of listening and care, allowed artists to bring personal concerns to him and receive thoughtful guidance. For many, his portrayal of the conductor of their lives was clear: he listened, advised, and stood as a steadfast pillar. The absence of that steady presence is felt deeply by those who knew him well. This loss is described as profound and personal by colleagues who had come to count on his steady, humane approach to leadership.
Bogdan Gudymenko, an actor with the VF Theatre, conveyed in conversation with socialbites.ca that the passing of the artistic director left the entire company feeling adrift, like orphans. He emphasized that Viktor Abramovich was a life-loving, people-loving man whose generosity, humor, and kindness left a lasting mark on everyone he encountered. His leadership cultivated a sense of unity and shared purpose that many in the group continue to miss in his absence.
Gudymenko reflected that Abramovich acted as a father figure to the whole ensemble. He described Viktor as someone who cherished life, welcomed others with warmth, and possessed a remarkable sense of humor. The collective feeling of being orphaned was echoed by many performers who recalled how every encounter with him offered a reason to smile. He credited Abramovich with teaching his peers to see the good in people and to approach life with a generous spirit. The tribute emphasized how his influence extended beyond the stage, shaping attitudes toward colleagues and audiences alike. The sense of gratitude and affection is so strong that many keep his memory close, cherishing the values he modeled and the care he showed for his community. In that sense, he remains a guardian and advocate whose guidance is still missed today.
On January 28, the VF Komissarzhevskaya Theater announced the passing of Viktor Novikov, the institution’s artistic director, at the age of eighty. The message highlighted his creation of a distinct, family-like atmosphere within the theater, where every employee could seek advice and feel heard. The statement underscored the rarity of such close-knit relationships and the enduring impact of his leadership on the theater’s culture and operations. The loss is portrayed as a significant turning point for the company, one that leaves a lasting void in daily life and work at the institution.
Novikov’s career at the theater began after his studies at the Leningrad State Institute of Theater, Music and Cinematography, where he earned a degree in theater studies. He held several important roles, including deputy chief director of literary affairs and deputy director of repertoire, overseeing collaborations with playwrights and shaping the artistic direction of productions. In 1992, he was appointed Artistic Director of the theater that bears his name, a milestone that reflected his lasting influence and his commitment to nurturing talent within the company. The leadership he provided helped establish a framework for creative collaboration and a supportive environment that many artists remember with gratitude. The theater’s culture, shaped by his vision, is described by colleagues as one built on trust, openness, and a shared love of the craft.
Following Novikov’s passing, remarks from other members of the company indicated that his absence left a notable quietness within the spaces where rehearsals and performances once thrived. A former actress noted that the theater became quieter after the artistic director’s death, a sentiment that underscores how central his presence had been to the daily life of the ensemble. The recollections collectively celebrate a leader who placed people at the center of the artistic process and who fostered an atmosphere where both personal and professional growth could flourish under his guidance. The legacy he leaves behind continues to influence how the company approaches collaboration, mentorship, and the pursuit of artistic excellence, long after his departure from the stage.