“Mihai Eminescu” Theater stages the story of murdered journalist Anna Politkovskaya
Journalist Anna Politkovskaya, who was assassinated outside her home in Moscow in 2006, is celebrated as a heroine in a play performed by actors from the "Mihai Eminescu" National Theater in Chișinău. The play, titled "Disappearing People," honors journalists who sacrificed their lives for their determination to change the world. We owe it to them to have the freedom to express our beliefs without fear.
"Why do I dislike Putin so much? For his cynicism, for his lies, and for the fact that no one has ever been punished for their actions. Because the wars continue."
Although she has appeared in documentaries before, portraying a prominent journalist such as Anna Politkovskaya posed a significant challenge for Olga Triboi.
"I discovered many things I didn't know; it often gave me chills. It's terrible what this small yet immensely powerful man could do. Her courage is extraordinary; she is a heroine, and today, there is a total crisis of heroes," the actress said.
Journalist Anna Politkovskaya wrote about the horrors of the wars unleashed by Vladimir Putin in Chechnya, as well as the plight of the Russian military sent to fight in this bloody conflict.
"She was the fiercest critic of the Kremlin leader, publicly opposing Putin's policies. I believe this was pivotal; Anna Politkovskaya's courage likely led to her assassination, which was one of the most shocking crimes of the Putin era," said director and screenwriter Luminiţa Ţâcu.
The theatrical production is particularly relevant today.
"Especially because we have two narrative episodes in the show focusing on the two Chechen wars, leading us directly to the war in Ukraine. Furthermore, the title 'Disappearing People' highlights a theatrical exploration of the insignificance of individuals within the machinery of dictatorship," noted Maria Pilchin, literary secretary of the "Mihai Eminescu" National Theatre.
"We have agreed that this is a painful theme that resonates with us, the actors who perform on stage. Through our shared texts, we seek to address the wounds that require attention. Let us cherish our freedom and fight daily to maintain it,” urged Petru Hadârcă, director of the "Mihai Eminescu" National Theatre.
The premiere of the show "Disappearing People" will occur on May 12 and 13.
