The Ministry of Culture of the Voronezh Region explained the reasons for the dismissal of artistic director Mikhail Bychkov

Minister of Culture of the Voronezh Region Maria Mazur revealed the reason for the dismissal of the artistic director of the Chamber Theater Mikhail Bychkov. Her statement was published in Telegram channel departments.

According to Maria Mazur, the reason for Mr. Bychkov’s dismissal was his attitude to the special military operation. She noted that negotiations with the former artistic director had been ongoing since February 2022, when he “actually spoke out against the policies of the Russian Federation.”

“During all this time, Mikhail Vladimirovich did not find the strength to admit he was wrong, apologize and change his attitude towards the events taking place literally 300 km from Voronezh,” the minister emphasized. Ms. Mazur noted that Mikhail Bychkov himself does not wonder why he was fired, and believes that the theater has begun a “new chapter.”

Mr. Bychkov was fired on November 21, a couple of hours before the end of his last working day. On the same day, the head of the regional Ministry of Culture signed a dismissal order. November 23, the Chamber Theater team of 63 people wrote a letter in defense of the former artistic director, which was sent to the regional governor, the Ministry of Culture, as well as to the administration of President Vladimir Putin.

On November 24, a petition was published in support of Mr. Bychkov. At the time of writing, her signed more than 6.1 thousand people. On the same day from cooperation with the Chamber Theater refused three leading actresses – Natalya Shevchenko, Tatyana Babenkova and Yana Kuzina. Because of this, the theater’s repertoire lost the performances “The Thunderstorm”, “Uncle Vanya”, “Stone” and “Camera Obscura”.

November 25, People’s Artist of Russia Kamil Tukaev from the stage of the Chamber Theater after taking his bow reminded viewers that the director of the production was “the winner of many prestigious awards, the former artistic director of the Chamber Theater Mikhail Bychkov.”

Read more about the former artistic director of the Kamerny in the material “Mikhail Bychkov left the stage”.

Alexandra Goroshilova