Elena Obraztsova: “I think of the theatre company as my children”

On the eve of the Mikhailovsky Theatre’s 180th anniversary, its artistic leaders, those who represent the present and future of the theatre, explain — entirely subjectively — what the Mikhailovsky Theatre means to them personally and what episodes in its history they consider to be the most important and significant.

Elena Obraztsova, Advisor to the General Director, People's Artist of the USSR

Everyone knows the history of the Mikhailovsky Theatre: the first performances of major operas and ballets have been entrusted to this theatre, and the theatre has handled them brilliantly. I should like to say something about the new era of the Mikhailovsky Theatre that began with the arrival of Vladimir Kekhman. He is a man who wanted and still wants to get to know art and is consistently successful in doing so; he has turned out to be a brilliant manager. It is down to his efforts that the theatre has undergone a fantastic renovation, leading conductors have been invited and world-class singers perform here. The theatre has taken its deserved place among European theatres. A friendly, close-knit company has been formed; they all think as one, like a family. I think of them as my children. I hope they will continue to produce brilliant new performances.