Putin renews Bolshoi chief
NewsThe Russian government has extended the term of Vladimir Urin as general director of Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre until 2027.
Urin, 74, has been in the post since 2013. Three months ago he underwent emergency heart surgery.
Although the contract renewal was signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, the decision was Putin’s.
Urin has the status of trusted servant, though not quite of willing puppet like the Mariinsky’s Gergiev.
In the Russian parallel universe, what’s the difference between being a “trusted servant” or a “willing puppet”?
trust me, there is
“what’s the difference between being a ‘trusted servant’ or a ‘willing puppet'”
A trusted servant may stab you in the back when it fits his or her agenda.
A willing puppet has no agenda of its own.
Good to know…thank you.
Putin must have superhuman powers. According to Mr. Lebrecht he appoints every public servant personally. Kudos.
Can you imagine Boris Johnson giving a toss who runs the National Theatre? Or any of the symphony orchestras? or Covent Garden?
The director of the Bolshoi is not
“every public servant”. Kings and tyrants sometimes take pleasure meddling in high culture. Remember Stalin writing a review of Shostakovich’s “Lady Macbeth”?
Monsieur Lebrecht,
Allez-vous un jour lâcher les baskets au président Poutine?!!