Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds $26,000 Inside Seller tries to get half the cash back, fails »

Putin's Newest Gig: Savage Theater Critic

Russian prez mocks cast, upbraids director after play

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 12, 2008 9:35 AM CDT

(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."

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 from left clockwise, the artistic director of  the comedy Woe from Wit, Rimas Tuminas, actor Sergei Garmash, Putin's wife, Lyudmila, Vladimir...
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, in Moscow, late Sunday, March 9, 2008. Putin paid a surprise visit to a Moscow theater Sunday to view...
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.
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)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Moscow Protest Draws Tens of Thousands

Thousands Protest Russia Vote Results

Russia Jails Protest Leaders

Thousands Protest Putin in Moscow

Anti-Putin Rally Rattles Moscow


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne