Mashkov will replace Kalyagin as president of the Russian Theater Workers Union

Thus, the only candidate included in the list for the “secret ballot” for the position of president of the STD was Vladimir Mashkov.

Photo: Anastasia Pleshakova

It was no secret to any of the delegates to the congress that a new president of the STD would be elected at the congress. And the current one, Alexander Kalyagin, will say goodbye to his position. While he was still the head of the theater union, he spoke out.

First of all, the People’s Artist of Russia told the history of the Union, which was created almost 150 years ago. A round date will be held in 2026.

“There are problems and we are solving big problems, believe us,” Kalyagin said. – Now is a difficult time in the country. We cannot help but feel pain for the country and wish Russia victory. We are criticized. Sometimes it happens. But what I fundamentally disagree with is the political assessment of the Union’s activities in relation to the Special Military Operation. The Union has never opposed the Northern Military District and has always supported the line of the Russian President. We are for our quick victory.

Photo: Anastasia Pleshakova

I deliver the alliance ready for combat. I understand that there must be changes in it. The only thing I ask of our successors, of the next secretariat, is that they do not break anything. STDs also have traditions. Long live the Union of Theater Workers of Russia!

In the first row, in front of the presidium, the congress delegates were sitting: Vladimir Mashkov, Alexander Lazarev, the director of the Vakhtangov Theater Kirill Krok, the Deputy Minister of Culture Andrei Malyshev, the chairwoman of the State Duma Committee on Culture Elena Yampolskaya. ..

The election of the new president must be carried out from the acting department. He is not an official, nor a director, nor a theater administrator, but an actor.

– I am rich in rumors. And all those who are named candidates are worthy people,” Alexander Kalyagin spoke again. -I have my own candidate: this is my student Alexander Lazarev. He demonstrates remarkable skills in the profession. He comes from a good family of actors that we all know. I propose Alexander Lazarev…The delegation of the Sverdlovsk branch of the Theater Union proposed the director of the Vakhtangov Theater, Kirill Krok, for the position of president of the STD.

Photo: Anastasia Pleshakova

There were other proposals from the regions. For example, in the Primorsky region, the candidacy of the general director of the Mariinsky Theater and the Bolshoi Theater, Valery Gergiev, was proposed. And finally, the Kemerovo delegation proposed the candidacy of Vladimir Mashkov:

“He will be a good father to the actors.” The intrigue over which of them would win was short-lived. Everyone knew that Mashkov’s candidacy was the priority. He is a patriot. His SVO assessment of him is known and fully supported.

According to the regulations, candidates can recuse themselves. Alexander Lazarev was the first to accept it.

– I am forced to do this. I was offered the position of chief director in one of the theaters. I won’t say which one. This will be announced in the coming days. Thank you and excuse me, Alexander Alexandrovich,” Lazarev thanked Kalyagin for trusting him.

Photo: Anastasia Pleshakova

– According to the tradition of the Union, the president must be one of the artists. Therefore, I abstain,” said Vakhtangov Theater director Kirill Krok. – Colleagues, Valery Gergiev just called me from Sapsan. And he also recuses himself. Because we are very busy.

Andrei Borisov of the Yakutsk Theater, who among others had been proposed as president, also recused himself.

– Does Mashkov recuse himself? – the moderator of the meeting, Gennady Smirnov, called for formality. – No? Then a candidate is added to the list for the secret ballot – Vladimir Lvovich Mashkov.

Mashkov approached the podium.

– Dear friends, I am very happy to see you. The main thing is that the new president of the STD does not break anything, as Alexander Kalyagin said. Breaking is not building, theater requires cultivating life and work-work… I’ll tell you about the plans later. If it goes well (the vote has not been taken yet)… See you around.

Thus, the only candidate included in the list for the “secret ballot” for the position of president of the STD was Vladimir Mashkov, who, as you understand, can already be congratulated on his new position.