Oleg Menshikov, the renowned People's Artist of Russia, has opened up about his tumultuous experience as the artistic director of the Ermolova Theater in Moscow, revealing that his first four years in the role were "terribly difficult." In a candid interview on the show "5 Books" with Alexander Tsypkin, Menshikov expressed feelings of disillusionment and frustration, stating that he felt a sense of catastrophe during his tenure.
Menshikov, who previously enjoyed the freedom of running his own enterprise, described the stark contrast he faced upon transitioning to the state theater environment. "I lived as a free man: my own enterprise, financing, complete creative freedom. And here… 80% of what was happening caused rejection," he lamented.
His dissatisfaction with the theater's atmosphere was profound. He admitted that he was unhappy with 80% of the operations within the institution, which ultimately led him to draft a resignation letter. "I came to the theater, and there it smells like mops! This cannot be!" he exclaimed, emphasizing that this was not just a metaphor but a literal observation of the stale environment he encountered.
Menshikov's decision to resign was met with unexpected support from Sergei Katkov, the then head of the Moscow Department of Culture. Katkov's response to Menshikov's frustrations was laced with sarcasm, as he remarked, "Well, Oleg, you have to work with morons?" This comment, according to Menshikov, underscored the shared discontent regarding the situation within the theater.
Despite his frustrations, Menshikov clarified that his grievances were not aimed at any specific individuals but rather at the overall atmosphere that permeated the institution. He pointed out that his experience was not unique to the Ermolova Theater, suggesting that similar issues plagued theaters across the country. "Then, it seems to me, it was everywhere," he noted, indicating a systemic problem within the theatrical landscape.
Reflecting on his time at the theater, Menshikov described the emotional toll that the bureaucratic environment and outdated practices took on him. The lack of creative freedom and the rigid structure of state theater management left him feeling exhausted and demoralized. He stated, "The transition from independent work to managing a state theater was a shock: bureaucracy, established approaches, and the absence of 'air' for creativity brought me to emotional exhaustion."
His departure from the Ermolova Theater in 2021 was marked by controversy, as artists within the company criticized his decisions, particularly regarding staff reductions. Some even appealed to Alexander Bastrykin, the head of the Investigative Committee, to investigate Menshikov's management practices. This backlash highlighted the tensions that arose during his directorship.
Menshikov's tenure at the Ermolova Theater serves as a poignant example of the challenges faced by artists attempting to innovate within a traditional and often rigid system. His reflections resonate with many in the creative community who have grappled with similar frustrations in their own careers.
As he continues to navigate the complexities of the theater world, Menshikov's insights shed light on the broader issues of artistic freedom and institutional constraints that many artists encounter. His story is a reminder of the delicate balance between creativity and bureaucracy in the arts.
In a landscape where artistic expression often clashes with institutional expectations, Menshikov's experience serves as a cautionary tale for those in leadership positions within the arts. The need for an environment that fosters creativity and supports innovative ideas is more crucial than ever.
As the theater community continues to evolve, it will be essential for leaders like Menshikov to advocate for change, ensuring that the arts remain a vibrant and dynamic space for expression. His journey reflects the ongoing struggle for artistic integrity in a world that can sometimes stifle creativity.
Oleg Menshikov's story is not just about one man's challenges; it reflects a larger narrative about the state of the arts in Russia and the need for reform within cultural institutions. As he moves forward, his commitment to fostering a more supportive and creative environment will undoubtedly inspire others to challenge the status quo and seek meaningful change in the world of theater.