Oleg Tabakov Theatre to Premiere Play on SVO Participants
In the summer of 2024, the Moscow Oleg Tabakov Theatre commenced preparations for a poignant new play titled "Callsign Silence," which aims to honor the heroes of the special military operation in Ukraine. The production, set to premiere in 2025, is inspired by real-life accounts of fighters who have returned from the combat zone. Directed by Sevastyan Smyshnikov, an actor from the Oleg Tabakov Theatre, the play is penned by playwright Oleg Antonov.
The concept for the play emerged during the "Tavrida" festival, where the theater team engaged in discussions with soldiers as part of a contemporary dramaturgy laboratory focused on the military operation. The central character, Artem, represents a composite of those fighting on the frontlines, reflecting on his life before the war, including his work in the Ministry of Emergency Situations and his decision to volunteer. The narrative intertwines military actions with personal memories, creating a complex tapestry of human experience.
Collaboration with Sovremennik Theatre
"Callsign Silence" will feature actors from the Sovremennik Theatre, marking the first collaborative project between the two renowned theaters. Since June 2024, both theaters have shared the same artistic director, Vladimir Mashkov, who has been instrumental in fostering this partnership. Mashkov emphasized the importance of sincerity in portraying the experiences of SVO participants, urging actors to connect deeply with the material to convey authentic emotions.
A Broader Project: SVOi. Uninvented Stories
The play is part of a larger initiative called "SVOi. Uninvented Stories," which aims to stage a total of 12 plays across ten cities, each telling the truth about the special operation from the perspectives of its participants. Mashkov believes that raising awareness about the SVO through theater is crucial, stating that the portrayal must resonate with genuine feelings of patriotism and love for the Motherland. He insists that the audience will quickly discern authenticity, making it essential for the theater community to approach this sensitive subject with honesty and empathy.
