Lenkom Marka Zakharova Theater

The Moscow State Theater "Lenkom Marka Zakharova" occupies a special place in the cultural life of the capital. Over its nearly century-long history, the theater has evolved from an amateur collective of working youth to one of the most prestigious dramatic stages in Russia.

Location and Architecture of the Building

The theater is located in the historic center of Moscow at the address Malaya Dmitrovka Street, Building 6. The building was constructed in 1909 specifically for the Moscow Merchants' Club, designed by the renowned architect Illarion Ivanov-Shits. The facade is adorned with an elegant Ionic colonnade and Art Nouveau stucco molding, giving it a unique architectural appearance. Despite the intimacy of the auditorium, the building's atmosphere creates a special closeness between the actors and the audience, making every performance an unforgettable event.

History of the Theater: From TRAM to Lenkom

Formation of the Theater of Working Youth

The theater's history began in 1927, when, on the initiative of the Moscow Komsomol, the Theater of Working Youth (abbreviated as TRAM) was created. Initially, the actors combined factory work with theatrical rehearsals, but soon the collective became fully professional. In 1932, the historic building of the former Merchants' Club on Malaya Dmitrovka was transferred to the theater, where it remains today. Outstanding cultural figures participated in shaping the theater's creative identity:

• Mikhail Bulgakov worked as a consultant on dramatic works
• Isaak Dunayevsky headed the musical department
• Stage design was handled by Evgeny Kibrik, Yuri Pimenov, and the famous Kukryniksy
• Acting mastery was taught by MHAT luminaries — Nikolai Batalov, Nikolai Khmelev, Ilya Sudakov

The Era of Ivan Bersenev

A new page in the theater's history was opened in 1938, when the collective received the name Moscow State Theater named after the Lenin Komsomol, and Ivan Bersenev became its chief director. He brought brilliant actors from the MHAT school to the theater: Serafima Birman, Sofia Giatsintova, Rostislav Plyatt. Under Bersenev, the theater firmly entered the ranks of the country's leading theatrical collectives. During the Great Patriotic War, the theater was evacuated to Uzbekistan, where it gave more than 400 performances over 17 months. Another part of the troupe organized the frontline theater "Iskra," which performed on various fronts and, after the victory, gave performances in Berlin.

Anatoly Efros and a New Generation of Actors

In 1963, the theater was headed by director Anatoly Efros, who, despite his brief tenure, created several landmark productions. He brought a whole constellation of talented actors to the theater:

• Valentin Gaft
• Lev Durov
• Mikhail Derzhavin
• Alexander Zbruev
• Olga Yakovleva
• Alexander Shirvindt

The productions "On the Wedding Day," "104 Pages About Love," "My Poor Marat," and "Molière" became events in Moscow's theatrical life.

The Era of Mark Zakharov — the Golden Age of Lenkom

The Arrival of the New Artistic Director

From 1973 and for 46 years, the theater was led by the outstanding director Mark Anatolyevich Zakharov. It was under him that the theater acquired its modern identity and worldwide fame. Zakharov assembled a unique acting ensemble that included true stars of the Soviet and Russian stage:

• Oleg Yankovsky
• Alexander Abdulov
• Evgeny Leonov
• Nikolai Karachentsov
• Inna Churikova
• Leonid Bronevoy
• Tatiana Peltzer
• Alexander Zbruev

Later, the troupe was joined by Dmitry Pevtsov, Alexandra Zakharova, Alexander Lazarev Jr., Viktor Rakov, Maria Mironova, and other talented artists.

Legendary Productions

Mark Zakharov created productions that became classics of domestic theater. His first major work was the play "Til Ulenspiegel" in 1974. However, the real breakthrough was the premiere of the rock opera "Juno and Avos" in 1981, with music by Alexei Rybnikov and libretto by Andrei Voznesensky. This production has been on stage for over 40 years and has been performed about one and a half thousand times. Among other landmark productions by Zakharov:

1. "Memorial Prayer" based on the play by Grigory Gorin
2. "The Mad Day, or The Marriage of Figaro"
3. "The Seagull" by Chekhov
4. "Royal Games"
5. "The Jester Balakirev"
6. "Va-Bank" based on Ostrovsky's comedy
7. "The Cherry Orchard"
8. "Peer Gynt"
9. "The Day of the Oprichnik" based on Vladimir Sorokin's novel

Awards and Recognition

The theater collective has been awarded high state honors:

• Order of the Red Banner of Labor (1948)
• Order of the October Revolution (1977)
• "Crystal Turandot" Award for contribution to Russian theatrical art (2005)
• Gratitude of the President of the Russian Federation (1997)

Modern Repertoire and New Leadership

Transition to a New Era

After the passing of Mark Zakharov on September 28, 2019, the theater was named in his honor. Since November 21, 2019, it has officially been called "Lenkom Marka Zakharova". In January 2025, the theater received new leadership: Mark Varshaver was appointed president, Vladimir Pankov as artistic director, and Dmitry Berestov as director.

Current Repertoire

Today, audiences can see both classic productions from the Zakharov era and new plays. The theater's repertoire includes:

• The legendary "Juno and Avos"
• "The Cherry Orchard"
• "Royal Games"
• "The Jester Balakirev"
• "Peer Gynt"
• "The Mad Day, or The Marriage of Figaro"
• "Va-Bank"
• "The Day of the Oprichnik"
• "Walpurgis Night"
• "The Grasshopper (Heavenly Wanderers)"

The restored version of the production "Memorial Prayer" was presented to the public in March 2021 and is dedicated to the memory of Mark Zakharov and other masters of the theater.

Loyal Audience and Theatrical Atmosphere

Lenkom has its own special, devoted audience. The theater is especially popular among Moscow's intelligentsia, and spectators from all over Russia come to performances featuring the stellar acting ensemble. Tickets for classic productions sell out two months in advance. A special atmosphere reigns during performances: the audience gives prolonged ovations with cries of "Bravo!", during intermissions they take photos by the stage and reverently examine the sets. Some theater fans are willing to stand in the aisle throughout the performance just to see their favorite actors perform.

Practical Information for Visitors

How to Get to the Theater

The theater is located in the very center of Moscow, making it very easy to reach. The nearest metro stations:

• "Chekhovskaya"
• "Pushkinskaya"
• "Tverskaya"

From any of these stations, exit to Pushkin Square, turn onto Malaya Dmitrovka Street before the "Rossiya" concert hall building, and walk past the Church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos. The walk from the metro takes just 5 minutes.

Box Office Hours

The Lenkom theater box office operates daily without days off:

• From 11:30 to 15:00
• From 16:00 to 19:30

It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially for popular performances featuring well-known artists of the older generation.

The Theater's Significance in Moscow's Cultural Life

The Lenkom Marka Zakharova Theater is not just a cultural landmark of Moscow; it is a living history of domestic theatrical art. Over nearly a century of existence, entire generations of outstanding actors have been formed here, and productions have been staged that have entered the golden fund of Russian theater. Today, the theater continues the traditions laid down by the great masters of the past while opening its stage to young talented artists. The intimate atmosphere of the auditorium, the magnificent acting, and the devoted audience create that special magic of the theater that makes every visit to Lenkom an unforgettable event. For everyone who appreciates genuine theatrical art, attending a performance at Lenkom becomes not just entertainment, but a true cultural event, allowing one to touch the history and traditions of one of Russia's greatest theaters.