Controversy is brewing within Moscow's Lenkom Theatre as notable actor Dmitry Pevtsov has publicly challenged the management's handling of the artistic legacy of the late director Mark Zakharov. Pevtsov claims the current leadership is ignoring what he deems Zakharov's "creative will," forwarding tensions between prominent figures within the theatre.
Pevtsov's claims stemmed from the publication of what he insists is Zakharov's final directive, officially titled as such but dismissed by the theatre's director Mark Varshaver as merely an annual service note. This note, according to Varshaver, outlines Zakharov's preferences for the theatre's repertoire rather than serving as any legally binding mandate. "That which is loudly called 'the will of Mark Zakharov' is actually just this annual memo," Varshaver stated during conversations with reporters from TASS.
The roots of this conflict began to surface as Pevtsov announced his departure from Lenkom, where he had devoted over three decades of his career. "Finally, after nearly two months of uncertainty, clarity has emerged: Lenkom Theatre no longer requires my services," he shared on his Telegram channel. His departure marks yet another high-profile exit amid reported changes at the theatre since Zakharov's passing.
Concerned about the direction the theatre is taking under Varshaver's leadership, Pevtsov argued during his announcements, "There exists a document, signed by Mark Zakharov... this official letter details how the plays should be arranged." This describes how productions scheduled at Lenkom are being altered without regard for the original framework established by the theatre's guiding light.
Defending his management and intentions for Lenkom, Varshaver expressed bewilderment at the situation, indicating, "I can't help but be bewildered by the two respected artists' desire to present Mark Anatolyevich Zakharov's memo from 2019 as his will." He emphasized the standard operating practices of theatre management and the necessity to adapt productions based on audience engagement, insisting the theatre's life should continue unhindered by the absence of any individual director. "Life does not stop with the departure of the director, even the greatest one," asserted Varshaver.
Compounding the situation is criticism from former colleagues of Varshaver's management style, with accusations of treating various theatre professionals poorly. Long-serving actress Lyudmila Porgina noted, "This is just slavery, serfdom... how he wants it, and nothing else." Pevtsov and others within the theatre community have echoed similar sentiments, reflecting deep-seated frustrations about the evolution of their creative environment.
Conversely, some current members of the theatre, including Sergey Stepanchenko, maintain the change may lead to fresh opportunities. Stepanchenko stated, "Of course, I feel some sadness for the days when Mark Zakharov was the head of the theater, but life goes on. Believe me, nothing terrible is happening with the theatre; we are continuing to work." These contrasting views exemplify the debate surrounding artistic integrity versus necessary evolution within cultural institutions.
Despite the upheaval, Varshaver emphasized the legacy of Zakharov remains intrinsically woven throughout the theatre's fabric, referencing how many of the performers currently on stage were invited by Zakharov himself. "Many performers invited to the troupe were chosen by Mark Zakharov," he reflected, pointing to the continuity present even amid change.
The saga continues as the Lenkom Theatre community navigates through this contentious chapter, balancing the aspirations for innovation with the unyielding influence of its storied past. A resolution to the underlying conflicts seems distant, but both Pevtsov's fervor for Zakharov's remembrance and Varshaver's commitment to the theatre's progression will undoubtedly shape Lenkom's future.