A group of actors of the Russian State Drama Theater “A. P. Chekhov” denies the statements made by the former director Constantin Haret about the precarious state of the institution. At a news conference hosted by IPN, the actors stressed that under the new leadership, qualitative changes have taken place. The spaces were renovated, and the atmosphere inside the troupe improved considerably.
“A. P. Chekhov” Theater actor Yuri Andryushenko said that the former director Constantin Haret tries to discredit the institution and the actors, who accused him of abuse of power, dissemination of false statements in the public space about the cessation of the theater’s work, the lack of profit, and, consequently, of forming the wrong opinion about the current situation at the institution. Despite these statements and with the help of the new leadership, projects of strategic importance have been carried out.
Yuri Andryushenko announced that the small stage, once in a damaged state, was restored and the number of theater performances and spectators will now increase. The central foyer was also renovated. With the support of the current management, in order to maintain the creative potential in the theater and after a 15-year break, an acting course was held within the Academy of Music, Theater and Fine Arts. At the same time, for spectators with special needs, the infrastructure was developed, free places were reserved and a special sanitary facility was built. In addition, all the sanitary facilities were repaired. Currently, works are being carried out to restore the thermal infrastructure and air conditioning in the spectator hall.
The theater’s management also revised the qualification of actors. So, 16 actors got the well-deserved category of actor-master of the stage, said Yuri Andryushenko. According to him, the actors who complained about the ex-director, for several years fought in court for the interests of the theater, for their own rights and principles, and were deprived of the opportunity to go on stage and get involved in projects. A long break in work influences the actor’s mental state and can be extremely destructive.
The actor also said that the victory won in the conflict with the former director is a common one and they are hopeful that this will become an important precedent for the next actions, and justice and the law will have an important role. “Constantin Haret works as an actor and has a few shows. We practically do not cross paths with him in the common work on the stage. As for the atmosphere, it is not easy at all, but at present the atmosphere is much healthier than two years ago, and there is a tendency for greater and more improvements,” said the actor of “A. P. Chekhov” Theater Yuri Andryushenko.
Note: IPN Agency offers the right of reply to persons who consider that they were targeted in the news articles produced based on the statements of the organizers of this press conference, including by facilitating the organization of another press conference under similar conditions.
