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September 7, 2008 5:50:34 AM CDT

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Putin's Newest Gig: Savage Theater Critic

Posted Mar 12, 08 9:35 AM CDT in Arts & Living,  World 

(Newser) – Vladimir Putin and his wife Lyudmila caused a stir in Moscow last weekend when they paid an unannounced visit to the theater. After the audience gave him a standing ovation, Putin made a foray into theater criticism that stunned the cast. "Why did you show him crying?" asked the notoriously emotionless Putin of the lead actor's portrayal. "You showed him sniveling."

The director of the play quickly thanked Putin for the criticism, to which the president retorted, "The actor has nothing to do with this. He's done what you told him to." The 19th century Russian comedy, Woe From Wit, also includes a scene mocking Russians for blindly adopting Western customs, which Putin called "a particular lesson for the new members of the European Union." Amid laughter he added, "I'm joking, I'm joking."

Sources Daily Telegraph (UK), Associated Press

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Russian President Vladimir Putin, background, speaks with Moscow Sovremennik Theater actors and directors late Sunday, March 9, 2008, after watching the comedy "Woe from Wit" in theater, Moscow. Shown...   (Associated Press)
Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, meets Moscow Sovremennik Theater Art Director Galina Volchek and the artistic director of the comedy "Woe from Wit," Rimas Tuminas, left, as he visits the theater,...   (Associated Press)
Russian President Vladimir Putin, center, and his wife Lyudmila, left, meeting Moscow Sovremennik Theater Art Director Galina Volchek as they visit the theater, Moscow late Sunday, March 9, 2008.   (Associated Press)
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Russia  • Vladimir Putin  • theater  • Moscow  • film director  • play  • Lyudmila Putin


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