Putin spoke at the congress of the Union of Theatrical Figures. The main thing

On October 22, Russian President Vladimir Putin took part in the congress of the Union of Theatrical Figures dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the organization. The Head of State noted the role of the theater in preserving traditional values, the state's support for more than 600 professional theaters and proposed to legislate the special status of creative unions. All the main statements are in the Izvestia material.

150 years of the Russian Theater Society

Putin congratulated the delegates of the congress and all the servants of the Russian theater on a significant event — the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Russian Theater Community. It was organized more than a century after the opening of the first Russian professional theater in Yaroslavl, founded by Fyodor Volkov.

The President recalled that over the past 100 years, the organization has been headed by only five people — Alexandra Yablochkina, Mikhail Tsarev, Mikhail Ulyanov, Alexander Kalyagin and Vladimir Mashkov. The Head of State congratulated Mashkov on his re-election. At the congress, it was decided to return the organization to its historical name, the Russian Theater Society.

"Whatever the name, <... It is important that the main thing remains your shared responsibility for the fate of the theater, for the preservation of the richest traditions," Putin said.

600 theaters and government support

Putin stressed that there are over 600 professional theaters in Russia, which are supported by the state.

"There is no such thing in any country in the world, just not in any country in the world," the president said.

He noted that the vast majority of professional theaters are funded from federal, regional or municipal budgets. This is extremely important for strengthening the humanitarian cultural space and the unity of the country.

At the same time, the government welcomes business investment in theater projects and is ready to systematically support such initiatives.

"The theater is not just a cultural institution, it is a phenomenon, it is creativity, flight of thought, fantasy, search for meanings," the head of state emphasized.

The strategy of the state cultural policy until 2030 is currently in force in Russia. Strategies for the development of librarianship and creative industries have already been adopted. A similar document is being prepared for the theater sector. The President indicated that it should be substantive and operational.

About the indispensability of the theater

The Head of State recalled the famous phrase attributed to Vladimir Lenin: "Of all the arts, cinema is the most important for us," but noted that today it is difficult to agree with this.

"Cinema, television, and the Internet have not been able to replace theater. <...> Theater is not only alive, it gives impetus to many types of art, and a lot begins with it. And this is a living connection, a creative connection with people, the people," Putin said.

According to him, the main advantage of the theater is direct contact with the audience, which evokes a sense of belonging and empathy.

The President quoted director Mark Zakharov as saying, "In the Russian theater, everything is at once — to think and laugh, to think and cry." He noted that sold-out performances are accompanied not only by the capital, but also by many regional theaters.

Putin stressed that the theater is one of the leading institutions where traditional values are passed down from generation to generation. He has a great moral mission, and his authority and schools are a colossal source of enlightenment, upbringing, and education.

"What you put in the heart, in the soul of a young man, is what will happen to Russia. This is what Russia of the future will be like," the president pointed out the powerful influence of theater on shaping the worldview of people, especially young people.

Special status of creative unions

Putin stated that he considers it possible to legislate the special status of creative unions. According to him, colleagues from various cultural fields have repeatedly heard that the current legal status of unions does not allow for the full implementation of many forms of support, from assistance to veterans to full—fledged participation in government orders.

The President proposed to expand the rights of union members, consider the formation of a state order, consolidate the powers to protect the creative, labor and social rights of members of organizations and identify understandable financing mechanisms.

Award and badge No. 1

In August 2026, Putin signed a decree awarding the collective of the Union of Theatrical Figures with the Order of Merit in Culture and Art. The President congratulated the veterans of the stage and all those who enhance the 150-year heritage of the society on this high award.

The chairman of the organization, Vladimir Mashkov, presented Putin with the badge of the Russian Theater Society number 1, restored according to the model of the historical badge of the Society for Mutual Remembrance of Russian Artists in 1876. Mashkov called it an expression of sincere appreciation, respect and gratitude from the whole society.

At the beginning of his speech, Putin noted that he had written down "Dear colleagues, friends," but he crossed out the word "colleagues," considering that "they will misunderstand." After presenting the award, the President said, "Have a good evening, dear colleagues."