Me, playwright and director Ivan Vyrypaev, in In connection with the arrest of my comrade and colleague director Kirill Serebrennikov, I would like to address the figures of Russian culture.
Colleagues, friends! Let's be honest with ourselves that the arrest of Kirill Serebrennikov will again remain unpunished for the authorities that govern Russia today. I see how most of you wrote your letters of support, came to the rally, gave interviews and even addressed the president. And this is already, Sorry, it’s becoming a tragicomic phenomenon. After all, in the meantime, most of you continue to make your films, stage plays and receive subsidies from the Ministry of Culture. One way or another, collaborating with this government and thinking that with our creativity and our civic position we can change something in this country, or contribute our feasible contribution to these changes, we are simply once again deceiving ourselves and our country. And this, excuse me, really looks very infantile.
To begin with, it would be good to honestly define what and who this government is. In 1917, an armed coup took place in Russia, and power passed to the illegally created “Bolshevik” government. The government of this group of people carried out bloody terror against its citizens. Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin are certainly criminals and are worthy of only one thing - universal condemnation. From 1917 to this day, the power in Russia has not changed. Today's government openly inherits the power of the terrorist organization "Bolsheviks". Monuments to Lenin stand in almost every city, his body lies on the Red square, not to mention the fact that even today busts and monuments to Stalin are erected. Also, the government openly uses the attributes of the terrorist organization “Bolsheviks”: banners, symbols, street names named after the leaders of the Red Terror, music of the communist anthem (in other words), etc. .
In 1991, after the collapse of the USSR, a nationwide referendum was not held in Russia on the question of what and who Russia is now. And what is the relationship of this modern Russia has to the illegal power of the “Bolsheviks”. Formally, we began to be called Russian Federation, but our state ideals still inherit the ideals of the “Bolshevik” power. There was absolutely no renunciation of the crimes of Lenin and Stalin, there was no general repentance. Lenin has not yet been buried, but the political symbol “hammer and sickle”, which in most civilized countries is equated with the fascist swastika, is still openly present in public space both as paraphernalia, and as souvenirs, and as a memory that is openly revered in our country. Just walk along the Old Arbat and see how everything there is literally replete with red stars, Budennovkas, Lenins and Stalin. Imagine that fascist symbols were sold in such quantities in the center of Berlin.
But the main problem is that in the minds of Russians and many cultural figures, “Bolshevism” is not equal to fascism. And this, perhaps, is the main problem of Russia, both in the internal structure of its society and in communication with other countries, especially European countries. But it is necessary understand that this disidentification of modern Russia with its “Bolshevik” ideology does not occur also because today’s authorities are the heirs of that illegal criminal power that still maintains control over society since the time of October revolution.And it is interesting that Vladimir Putin’s main argument justifying the seizure of the territory of Crimea and Russia’s participation in the conflict in Ukraine in general is the argument that a coup d’etat took place in Ukraine and an illegal political group is in power, but this is exactly what can be said about Russia, where the current government is the direct heir of the terrorist group “Bolsheviks” that illegally came to power. In any case, there was no official renunciation of the activities of the communist regime and its attributes, recognition of the rule of this regime as illegal, recognition of it as criminal and prohibition of its attributes and symbols. This is where the conflicts with the Baltic countries, Poland and other countries of the former “socialist camp” originate. .And that is why such a rejection of modern Russia and the Russian language arose in a number of countries (Ukraine, the Baltic countries, etc.), since the Russian language is directly associated with the power that occupied not only Russia, but also after the Second World War a number of countries in Eastern Europe. Of course, This attitude towards the Russian language should have been changed, as post-war Germany did in its time, spending enormous amounts of money and effort on separating “everything German” from “everything fascist”, but the fact of the matter is that such work was not carried out, and precisely because the current government is still the heir to the power of Stalin - a power that openly colluded with the Hitlerite government, supported the actions of the Nazis against other countries, and even itself participated in military operations, attacking, for example, in 1939 the territory Poland, and it turns out that this power is still, in fact, the ruling power. And if in the late 90s and early 2000s this position of power was somehow hidden and hushed up, today this position is again very openly manifested.
I am a citizen of Russia, and I consider Russia my Motherland, my home. A house into which many years ago armed people broke into and began to rob, kill, rape, destroy churches, destroy people’s faith in their original spiritual freedom, and now these criminals, in essence, everyone is still in power. I don’t like to offend people and I don’t want to intentionally offend anyone. Including people in power, because, most likely, they, as they say, “don’t know what they’re doing” .But, observing Russia’s open position on many important world political issues, I I still cannot look with indifference at the general catastrophe this is leading us to. And this is precisely because this position of Russia directly inherits the political position of the communist regime, denying many facts formally, for example, “Stalinism,” but at the same time continuing to consider communist the regime is another milestone in the development of the Russian state, and not its “dark times” and a tragic mistake. And without admitting your mistake, you cannot correct it, or rather, there is simply no such need to correct it.
And now another, in fact, already, unfortunately, “ordinary” case with the next arrest of people. And we, cultural figures, are again writing these letters, trying to explain to the authorities that they are wrong, trying to achieve justice and respect. But to whom are we turning, and what are we asking for? This is the same as asking Stalin to forgive Meyerhold, but actually, why did Stalin have to forgive someone? Stalin and his regime acted consistently and, as they say in modern language, “in its own format.” And, excuse me, it’s humiliating to watch the wonderful director Alexei Uchitel, who fights for his film with deputies and priests who attacked him, but at the same time deliberately does not express any complaints either to the authorities or personally to the president, as if a deputy or metropolitan is main reason what is happening with his film. Do you really think so, Alexey Efimovich? After all, under this government, what is happening with your film is quite normal. I am writing this, of course, out of respect for you and from pain, seeing how you and others Dear colleagues, you are once again seeking a subsidy from the Ministry of Culture for your next film, which may not be banned, because now you will be more careful, and you will choose a simpler and more harmless topic. Don’t you understand that the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation in headed by today's minister - these are the heirs of the same communist regime, only now they are more benevolent and not so cruel, because you were given a rental certificate and you were not shot. And Kirill Serebrennikov was not shot like Meyerhold, but was just publicly insulted and they were put under arrest. So times are better now, right?
The problem is that as long as we all fight with deputies, angry priests and injustice “on the ground,” then not only will nothing change, but on the contrary, it gives this government a certain confidence that everything depends on it.
Therefore, the only way to liberate our long-suffering people from the yoke of the ruling government is to change this government and change the basic value paradigm that underlies the life of this country.
In what way? I personally do not believe in the path of violence. This will not lead to anything good. Therefore, our only weapon is the formation of public opinion. Raising the younger generation on other values. And the first thing is that we, cultural figures, intelligentsia, progressive people of Russia What we can do is stop supporting this government. There is no need to receive all these state awards and publicly shake hands with Vladimir Putin in front of cameras. Well, don’t you, my dear and respected colleagues, outstanding people, don’t you understand that your playing at the noble “Schindler” and yours double life in fact, they brought Kirill Serebrennikov to jail?
I know very influential people from different spheres (big business, art and science) who confessed to me their position of “doing everything in their power, but not giving themselves away in order to continue doing something until this power changes.” “, but I, excuse me, stopped believing in the expediency of this method. Don’t you understand that by helping, for example, sick children or investing your money in private education at the cost of Putin’s support, you are doing a “disservice” to our entire future generation, which forced to grow up and go to school in Russia under this regime? A regime that today completely controls the education system, turning it from science into “propaganda.” The same can be said about scientists and sports figures. Do you really hope that soon everything will somehow change by itself, but now we need to do our job and keep quiet? What is our business? In scientific discoveries? In plays and films? Or is our main business the education of a “free and open-minded person”?
In 2018, we will have presidential elections. And most likely, Vladimir Putin will win them again, but we have a year to try to reduce his rating as much as possible, and most importantly, his authority and the authority of this entire ruling ideology. Many of us communicate with people of big business, and we know what kind of dissatisfaction with the authorities actually exists in these circles, of course, among those who are not in the closest circle of the president. But, fearing to lose their big money, business hides and is silent, hoping to survive this time, and just in case, transferring your finances abroad.
After all, in fact, you know very well what this power rests on and how it works. Vladimir Putin is a guarantor of a certain stability and order for his close circle, who can earn their capital under the existing order. But as soon as the current president loses his control over the masses, even his close friends will immediately no longer need him, because, looking at their faces, it becomes clear what values these people have - only pragmatic ones. You can change power in Russia in a non-violent way, and without even going to rallies. You just need to stop directing your personal energy to maintaining this power. Do not shake their hands in front of television cameras, do not appear at general events, do not mention the name of the current president in the press, just like the president himself, on the advice of his PR service, under no circumstances pronounce the name “Navalny”, and of course, under no circumstances participate in his election campaign. I know that for many of you this is not easy to do, but I am sure that it is still possible. Over this year, having still an undeniable influence on a large number of people, and sometimes being an authority for millions, you can significantly reduce the position of Putin and his power in the eyes of our citizens, especially among young people. And if Vladimir Putin wins the elections with less than the number of votes he expects, then his position in the eyes of those who stand behind him will greatly decrease. And from this moment on, the slow decline of the power of this power will begin.
At the same time, you don’t need to take risks and openly declare your position, as I am doing now. The government is very cruel and capable of anything. However, you just need to stop supporting this government as much as possible. Don’t “PR” this government. Don’t praise her, do not associate your business with the affairs of this government, ignore it with all your might, do not help it in anything, and we will see that it will have an effect. Because it's all about energy: where it is directed, there it is. Therefore, do not direct it to maintain the life force of this power, and this power will weaken. On the other hand, let's direct all our energy and authority to debunk this whole "Bolshevik ideology" "Let's talk everywhere and as often as possible about what crimes against humanity were committed by Lenin and Stalin, as well as their entire Communist Party. Let's talk more and more often about the fact that the monuments to Lenin left throughout Russia are monuments to a murderer. But at the same time, it is important not to insult the memory of people who gave their lives in the service of the Motherland and the people. However, the popular idea that Stalin won the Second World War must be refuted. The Russian people, just like the peoples of Europe, became victims of inhuman machines of Hitlerism and Stalinism. Stalin did not win the war, he paved the way for victory with the bodies of millions of people, our fathers and grandfathers, who truly accomplished a heroic feat, but, however, we must not forget that many of them went on the attack at gunpoint of Russian machine guns. And about This is also worth talking about, as far as possible. Second World War- this is a huge human tragedy, which the current government is shamelessly using as stuffing on a hook on which the Russian people are caught. And it is painful to watch how on May 9, instead of silence and sorrow, death cars drive through Red Square, and the leaders of the ruling government stand next to the corpse of an unburied Lenin and raise their political rating in the eyes of citizens, calling it patriotism.
To summarize what has been said, I would like to once again draw our attention to the fact that it is precisely because of our inattention, fear, irresponsibility, laziness and selfishness that we have the power that we have. And the main thing that we must do today is to believe in our strength, and believe me, it is very huge. Violence, revolutions, coups d'etat - none of this will bring us happiness and will not make this world a better place, but refusal to support violence is guaranteed to bring positive result, and example This is India and the path of the great Gandhi.
I am far from politics and have never been involved in it, but today I feel that the time has come and there really is a chance to change something, because this cannot continue. Therefore, this year I would like to devote my attention and my energy to this, to which I also encourage my colleagues. Personally, I have a very small audience, but I can say with confidence that my viewers are people who care about their lives and the life of our entire planet. And the main thing is that my viewers are very active and are not indifferent. And I will try to be equal to them. And if we all unite together and stop supporting violence, then we can do something for the future of our country and the world in general. Let's start with these presidential elections and see what happens. We will do our job without aggression, without anger, without the desire for revenge, but simply because we were born to make life on this planet a little better. And freedom for Kirill Serebrennikov, of course!
And others, and supported the artistic director of the Gogol Center, Kirill Serebrennikov, by publishing an open letter in his support (the author’s spelling and punctuation have been preserved, - Note ed.).
I, playwright and director Ivan Vyrypaev, in connection with the arrest of my comrade and colleague director Kirill Serebrennikov, would like to appeal to figures of Russian culture.
Colleagues, friends! Let's be honest with ourselves that the arrest of Kirill Serebrennikov will again go unpunished for the authorities that govern Russia today. I see how most of you wrote your letters of support, came to the rally, gave interviews and even addressed the president. And this, forgive me, is becoming a tragicomic phenomenon. After all, in the meantime, most of you continue to make your films, stage plays and receive subsidies from the Ministry of Culture. One way or another, by cooperating with this government and thinking that with our creativity and our civic position we can change something in this country, or make our contribution to these changes, we are simply once again deceiving ourselves and our country. And this, excuse me, really looks very infantile.
To begin with, it would be good to honestly define what and who this power is. In 1917, an armed coup took place in Russia and power passed to the illegally created “Bolshevik” government. The authorities of this group of people carried out bloody terror against their citizens. Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin are certainly criminals and deserve only one thing - universal condemnation. From 1917 to this day, power in Russia has not changed. Today's government openly inherits the power of the terrorist organization "Bolsheviks". Monuments to Lenin stand in almost every city, his body lies on Red Square, not to mention the fact that even today busts and monuments to Stalin are erected. Also, the government openly uses the attributes of the terrorist organization “Bolsheviks”: banners, symbols, street names named after the leaders of the Red Terror, the music of the communist anthem (in other words), etc.
In 1991, after the collapse of the USSR, a nationwide referendum was not held in Russia on the question of what and who Russia is now. And what does this modern Russia have to do with the illegal power of the “Bolsheviks”. Formally, we began to be called the Russian Federation, but our state ideals still inherit the ideals of the “Bolshevik” government. There was absolutely no renunciation of the crimes of Lenin and Stalin, or general repentance. Lenin has not yet been buried, and the political symbol “hammer and sickle,” which in most civilized countries is equated with the fascist swastika, is still openly present in the public space both as paraphernalia, as souvenirs, and as a memory that is openly revered in our country. It is enough to walk along Old Arbat and see how everything there is literally replete with red stars, Budenovkas, Lenins and Stalins. Imagine that fascist symbols were sold in such quantities in the center of Berlin.
But the main problem is that in the minds of Russians and many cultural figures, “Bolshevism” is not equal to fascism. And this is, perhaps, the main problem of Russia, both in the internal construction of its society and in communication with other countries, especially European countries. But you need to understand that this disidentification of modern Russia with its “Bolshevik” ideology does not occur also because today’s government is the heir to the illegal criminal government that still maintains control over society since the October Revolution. And it is interesting that Vladimir Putin’s main argument justifying the seizure of the territory of Crimea and Russia’s participation in the conflict in Ukraine in general is the argument that a coup d’etat took place in Ukraine and an illegal political group is in power, but this is exactly what can be said about Russia, where Today's government is the direct heir of the Bolshevik terrorist group that illegally came to power. In any case, there was no official renunciation of the activities of the communist regime and its attributes, recognition of the rule of this regime as illegal, recognition of it as criminal and prohibition of its attributes and symbols. This is where conflicts with the Baltic countries, Poland and other countries of the former “socialist camp” originate. And this is precisely why there has been such a rejection of modern Russia and the Russian language by a number of countries (Ukraine, the Baltic countries, etc.) since the Russian language is directly associated with the power that occupied not only Russia, but also after the Second World War a number of countries in Eastern Europe. Of course, this attitude towards the Russian language should have been changed, as post-war Germany did in its time, spending enormous amounts of money and effort on separating “everything German” from “everything fascist”, but the fact of the matter is that such work was not carried out precisely because the current government is still the heir to the power of Stalin - a power that openly entered into a conspiracy with the Hitlerite government, supported the actions of the fascists against other countries and even itself participated in military operations, attacking, for example, in 1939 the territory Poland, and it turns out that this government is still essentially the ruling power. And if in the late 90s and early 2000s this position of the authorities was somehow hidden and hushed up, today this position is again very openly manifested.
I am a citizen of Russia, and I consider Russia my Motherland, my home. A house into which armed people broke into many years ago and began to rob, kill, rape, destroy churches, destroy people’s faith in their original spiritual freedom, and now, these criminals are essentially still in power. I don't like to offend people, and I don't want to offend anyone on purpose. Including people in power, because, most likely, they, as they say, “don’t know what they’re doing.” But, observing Russia’s open position on many important world political issues, I still cannot look indifferently at the general catastrophe this is leading us to. And this is precisely because this position of Russia directly inherits the political position of the communist regime, denying many facts formally, for example, “Stalinism,” but at the same time continuing to consider the communist regime as another milestone in the development of the Russian state, and not its “dark times” and tragic mistake. And without admitting your mistake, you cannot correct it, or rather, there is simply no such need to correct it.
And now, another, in fact, unfortunately, “ordinary” case with another arrest of people. And we, cultural figures, are again writing these letters, trying to explain to the authorities that they are wrong, trying to achieve justice and respect. But who are we turning to and what are we asking for? This is the same thing as asking Stalin to forgive Meirhold, but actually why did Stalin have to forgive someone? Stalin and his regime acted consistently and, as they say in modern language: “in their own format.” And for me, forgive me, it’s humiliating to watch the wonderful director Alexei Uchitel, who fights for his film with the deputies and priests who attacked him, but at the same time deliberately does not express any complaints either to the authorities or to the president personally, as if the deputy or metropolitan were the main reason what's going on with his film. Do you really think so, Alexey Efimovich? After all, under this power, what happens to your film is quite normal. I am writing this, of course, out of respect for you and from pain, seeing how you and other respected colleagues are once again seeking a subsidy from the Ministry of Culture for your next film, which, perhaps, will not be banned, because now you will be more careful, and you will choose a simpler and more harmless topic. Don’t you understand that the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, headed by today’s minister, are the heirs of the same communist regime, only now they are more friendly and not so cruel, because you were given a rental certificate and you were not shot. And Kirill Serebrennikov was not shot like Meirhold, but was only publicly insulted and sent under arrest. So times are better now, right?
“I am writing this, of course, out of respect for you and out of pain, seeing how you and other respected colleagues are once again seeking a subsidy from the Ministry of Culture for your next film, which may not be banned, because now you will be more careful, and you will choose a simpler and more harmless topic"
The problem is that as long as we all fight with deputies, angry priests and injustice “on the ground,” then not only will nothing change, but on the contrary, it gives this government a certain confidence that everything depends on it.
Therefore, the only way to liberate our long-suffering people from the yoke of the ruling government is to change this government and change the basic value paradigm that underlies the life of this country.
Which way? I personally do not believe in the path of violence. This will not lead to anything good. Therefore, our only weapon is the formation of public opinion. Raising the younger generation with different values. And the first thing we, cultural figures, intellectuals, progressive people of Russia can do is stop supporting this government. There is no need to receive all these state awards and publicly shake Vladimir Putin’s hand in front of cameras. Well, really, you, my dear and respected colleagues, outstanding people, don’t understand that your playing at the noble “Schindler” and your double life actually brought Kirill Serebrennikov to jail.
I know very influential people from different spheres (big business, art and science) who confessed to me their position of “doing everything in their power, but not giving themselves away in order to continue doing something until this power changes.” “, but, excuse me, I stopped believing in the feasibility of this method. Don’t you understand that by helping, for example, sick children or investing your money in private education, valuable support for Putin, you are doing a “disservice” to our entire future generation, which is forced to grow up and go to schools in Russia under this regime. The regime that today completely controls the education system has turned it from science into “propaganda.” The same can be said about scientists and sports figures. Do you really hope that soon everything will somehow change by itself, but now you need to do your job and keep quiet? What is our business? In scientific discoveries? In plays and films? Or is our main task the education of a “free and open-minded person”?
In 2018, we will have presidential elections. And most likely, Vladimir Putin will win again, but we have a year to try to reduce his rating as much as possible, and most importantly, his authority and the authority of this entire ruling ideology. Many of us communicate with people in big business and we know what kind of dissatisfaction with the authorities actually exists in these circles, of course, among those who are not in the president’s closest circle. But for fear of losing their big money, businesses hide and remain silent, hoping to survive this time and, just in case, transferring their finances abroad.
After all, in fact, you know very well what this power rests on and how it works. Vladimir Putin is a guarantor of a certain stability and order for his inner circle, who can earn their capital under the existing order. But as soon as the current president loses his control over the masses, even his close friends will immediately no longer need him, because looking at their faces it becomes clear what values these people have - only pragmatic ones. It is possible to change power in Russia non-violently and without even going to rallies. You just need to stop directing your personal energy to maintaining this power. Do not shake hands with them on television, do not appear at general events, do not mention the name of the current president in the press, just like the president himself, on the advice of his PR service, under no circumstances pronounces the name “Navalny”, and of course, under no circumstances participate in his election campaign. I know this is not easy for many of you, but I am confident that it is still possible. Over this year, you, although you still have undeniable influence on a large number of people, and sometimes are authorities for millions, you can significantly reduce the position of Putin and his power in the eyes of our citizens, especially among young people. And if Vladimir Putin wins the elections with no longer the number of votes he expects, then his position in the eyes of those behind him should drop significantly. And from this moment on, the slow decline of the power of this power will begin.
At the same time, you do not need to take risks and openly declare your position, as I am doing now. The authorities are very cruel and capable of anything. However, you just need to stop supporting this power as much as possible. Don’t “promote” this government. Do not praise it, do not associate your cause with the affairs of this government, ignore it with all your might, do not help it in anything, and we will see that it will have an effect. Because it's all about the energy, where it is directed - that's where it is. Therefore, do not direct it to maintain the vitality of this power and this power will weaken. On the other hand, let’s direct all our energy and authority to debunking this whole “Bolshevik ideology”, let’s talk everywhere and as often as possible about what crimes against humanity were committed by Lenin and Stalin, as well as their entire Communist Party. Let's talk more and more often about the fact that the monuments to Lenin left all over Russia are monuments to a murderer. But at the same time, it is important not to insult the memory of people who gave their lives in the service of the Motherland and people. However, the popular idea that Stalin won World War II must be refuted. The Russian people, just like the peoples of Europe, became victims of the inhuman machine of Hitlerism and Stalinism. Stalin did not win the war, he paved the way for victory with the bodies of millions of people, our fathers and grandfathers, who truly accomplished a heroic feat, but, however, we must not forget that many of them went on the attack at gunpoint of Russian machine guns. And this is also worth talking about as much as possible. The Second World War is a huge human tragedy, which the current government is unscrupulously using as a hook for the Russian people. And it’s painful to watch how on May 9, instead of silence and sorrow, death machines drive across Red Square, and the leaders of the ruling government stand next to the corpse of the unburied Lenin and raise their political rating in the eyes of citizens, calling it patriotism.
To summarize what has been said, I would like to once again draw our attention to the fact that it is precisely because of our inattention, fear, irresponsibility, laziness and selfishness that we have the power that we have. And the main thing we must do today is to believe in our strength, and believe me, it is very huge. Violence, revolutions, coups d'etat - none of this will bring us happiness or make this world a better place, but refusal to support violence is guaranteed to bring a positive result, and an example of this is India and the path of the great Gandhi.
I am far from politics and have never been involved in it, but today I feel that the time has come and there really is a chance to change something, because this cannot continue. Therefore, this year, I would like to devote my attention and energy to this, which I also encourage my colleagues to do. Personally, I don’t have a large audience at all, but I can say with confidence that my viewers are people who care about their lives and the life of our entire planet. And the main thing is that my viewers are very active and caring. And I will try to be equal to them. And if we all unite together and stop supporting violence, then we can do something for the future of our country and the world in general. Let's start with this presidential election and see what happens. We will do our job without aggression, without anger, without the desire for revenge, but simply because we were born to make life on this planet a little better. And freedom for Kirill Serebrennikov, of course!
I, playwright and director Ivan Vyrypaev, in connection with the arrest of my comrade and colleague director Kirill Serebrennikov, would like to appeal to figures of Russian culture.
Colleagues, friends! Let's be honest with ourselves that the arrest of Kirill Serebrennikov will again go unpunished for the authorities that govern Russia today. I see how most of you wrote your letters of support, came to the rally, gave interviews and even addressed the president. And this, forgive me, is becoming a tragicomic phenomenon. After all, in the meantime, most of you continue to make your films, stage plays and receive subsidies from the Ministry of Culture. One way or another, by cooperating with this government and thinking that with our creativity and our civic position we can change something in this country, or make our contribution to these changes, we are simply once again deceiving ourselves and our country. And this, excuse me, really looks very infantile.
To begin with, it would be good to honestly define what and who this power is. In 1917, an armed coup took place in Russia and power passed to the illegally created “Bolshevik” government. The authorities of this group of people carried out bloody terror against their citizens. Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin are certainly criminals and deserve only one thing - universal condemnation. From 1917 to this day, power in Russia has not changed. Today's government openly inherits the power of the terrorist organization "Bolsheviks". Monuments to Lenin stand in almost every city, his body lies on Red Square, not to mention the fact that even today busts and monuments to Stalin are erected. Also, the government openly uses the attributes of the terrorist organization “Bolsheviks”: banners, symbols, street names named after the leaders of the Red Terror, the music of the communist anthem (in other words), etc.
In 1991, after the collapse of the USSR, a nationwide referendum was not held in Russia on the question of what and who Russia is now. And what does this modern Russia have to do with the illegal power of the “Bolsheviks”. Formally, we began to be called the Russian Federation, but our state ideals still inherit the ideals of the “Bolshevik” government. There was absolutely no renunciation of the crimes of Lenin and Stalin, or general repentance. Lenin has not yet been buried, and the political symbol “hammer and sickle,” which in most civilized countries is equated with the fascist swastika, is still openly present in the public space both as paraphernalia, as souvenirs, and as a memory that is openly revered in our country. It is enough to walk along Old Arbat and see how everything there is literally replete with red stars, Budenovkas, Lenins and Stalins. Imagine that fascist symbols were sold in such quantities in the center of Berlin.
But the main problem is that in the minds of Russians and many cultural figures, “Bolshevism” is not equal to fascism. And this is, perhaps, the main problem of Russia, both in the internal construction of its society and in communication with other countries, especially European countries. But you need to understand that this disidentification of modern Russia with its “Bolshevik” ideology does not occur also because today’s government is the heir to the illegal criminal government that still maintains control over society since the October Revolution. And it is interesting that Vladimir Putin’s main argument justifying the seizure of the territory of Crimea and Russia’s participation in the conflict in Ukraine in general is the argument that a coup d’etat took place in Ukraine and an illegal political group is in power, but this is exactly what can be said about Russia, where Today's government is the direct heir of the Bolshevik terrorist group that illegally came to power. In any case, there was no official renunciation of the activities of the communist regime and its attributes, recognition of the rule of this regime as illegal, recognition of it as criminal and prohibition of its attributes and symbols. This is where conflicts with the Baltic countries, Poland and other countries of the former “socialist camp” originate. And this is precisely why there has been such a rejection of modern Russia and the Russian language by a number of countries (Ukraine, the Baltic countries, etc.) since the Russian language is directly associated with the power that occupied not only Russia, but also after the Second World War a number of countries in Eastern Europe. Of course, this attitude towards the Russian language should have been changed, as post-war Germany did in its time, spending enormous amounts of money and effort on separating “everything German” from “everything fascist”, but the fact of the matter is that such work was not carried out precisely because the current government is still the heir to the power of Stalin - a power that openly entered into a conspiracy with the Hitlerite government, supported the actions of the fascists in relation to other countries, and even itself participated in military operations, attacking, for example, in 1939 the territory Poland, and it turns out that this government is still essentially the ruling power. And if in the late 90s and early 2000s this position of the authorities was somehow hidden and hushed up, today this position is again very openly manifested.
I am a citizen of Russia, and I consider Russia my Motherland, my home. A house into which armed people broke into many years ago and began to rob, kill, rape, destroy churches, destroy people’s faith in their original spiritual freedom, and now, these criminals are essentially still in power. I don't like to offend people, and I don't want to offend anyone on purpose. Including people in power, because, most likely, they, as they say, “don’t know what they’re doing.” But, observing Russia’s open position on many important world political issues, I still cannot look indifferently at the general catastrophe this is leading us to. And this is precisely because this position of Russia directly inherits the political position of the communist regime, denying many facts formally, for example, “Stalinism,” but at the same time continuing to consider the communist regime as another milestone in the development of the Russian state, and not its “dark times” and tragic mistake. And without admitting your mistake, you cannot correct it, or rather, there is simply no such need to correct it.
And now, another, in fact, unfortunately, “ordinary” case with another arrest of people. And we, cultural figures, are again writing these letters, trying to explain to the authorities that they are wrong, trying to achieve justice and respect. But who are we turning to and what are we asking for? This is the same thing as asking Stalin to forgive Meirhold, but actually why did Stalin have to forgive someone? Stalin and his regime acted consistently and, as they say in modern language: “in their own format.” And for me, forgive me, it is humiliating to watch the wonderful director Alexei Uchitel, who fights for his film with the deputies and priests who attacked him, but at the same time deliberately does not express any complaints either to the authorities or to the president personally, as if the deputy or metropolitan were the main reason for this what's going on with his film. Do you really think so, Alexey Efimovich? After all, under this power, what happens to your film is quite normal. I am writing this, of course, out of respect for you and out of pain, seeing how you and other respected colleagues are once again seeking a subsidy from the Ministry of Culture for your next film, which may not be banned, because now you will be more careful, and you will choose a simpler and more harmless topic. Don’t you understand that the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, headed by today’s minister, are the heirs of the same communist regime, only now they are more friendly and not so cruel, because you were given a rental certificate and you were not shot. And Kirill Serebrennikov was not shot like Meirhold, but was only publicly insulted and sent under arrest. So times are better now, right?
The problem is that as long as we all fight with deputies, angry priests and injustice “on the ground,” then not only will nothing change, but on the contrary, it gives this government a certain confidence that everything depends on it.
Therefore, the only way to liberate our long-suffering people from the yoke of the ruling government is to change this government and change the basic value paradigm that underlies the life of this country.
Which way? I personally do not believe in the path of violence. This will not lead to anything good. Therefore, our only weapon is the formation of public opinion. Raising the younger generation with different values. And the first thing we, cultural figures, intellectuals, progressive people of Russia can do is stop supporting this government. There is no need to receive all these state awards and publicly shake Vladimir Putin’s hand in front of cameras. Well, really, you, my dear and respected colleagues, outstanding people, don’t understand that your playing at the noble “Schindler” and your double life actually brought Kirill Serebrennikov to jail.
I know very influential people from different spheres (big business, art and science) who confessed to me their position of “doing everything in their power, but not giving themselves away in order to continue doing something until this power changes.” “, but, excuse me, I stopped believing in the feasibility of this method. Don’t you understand that by helping, for example, sick children or investing your money in private education, valuable support for Putin, you are doing a “disservice” to our entire future generation, which is forced to grow up and go to schools in Russia under this regime. The regime that today completely controls the education system has turned it from science into “propaganda.” The same can be said about scientists and sports figures. Do you really hope that soon everything will somehow change on its own, but now you need to do your job and keep quiet? What is our business? In scientific discoveries? In plays and films? Or is our main task the education of a “free and open-minded person”?
In 2018, we will have presidential elections. And most likely, Vladimir Putin will win again, but we have a year to try to reduce his rating as much as possible, and most importantly, his authority and the authority of this entire ruling ideology. Many of us communicate with people in big business and we know what kind of dissatisfaction with the authorities actually exists in these circles, of course, among those who are not in the president’s closest circle. But for fear of losing their big money, businesses hide and remain silent, hoping to survive this time and, just in case, transferring their finances abroad.
After all, in fact, you know very well what this power rests on and how it works. Vladimir Putin is a guarantor of a certain stability and order for his inner circle, who can earn their capital under the existing order. But as soon as the current president loses his control over the masses, even his close friends will immediately no longer need him, because looking at their faces it becomes clear what values these people have - only pragmatic ones. It is possible to change power in Russia non-violently and without even going to rallies. You just need to stop directing your personal energy to maintaining this power. Do not shake hands with them on television, do not appear at general events, do not mention the name of the current president in the press, just like the president himself, on the advice of his PR service, under no circumstances pronounces the name “Navalny”, and of course, under no circumstances participate in his election campaign. I know this is not easy for many of you, but I am confident that it is still possible. Over this year, you, although you still have undeniable influence on a large number of people, and sometimes are authorities for millions, you can significantly reduce the position of Putin and his power in the eyes of our citizens, especially among young people. And if Vladimir Putin wins the elections with no longer the number of votes he expects, then his position in the eyes of those behind him should drop significantly. And from this moment on, the slow decline of the power of this power will begin.
At the same time, you do not need to take risks and openly declare your position, as I am doing now. The authorities are very cruel and capable of anything. However, you just need to stop supporting this power as much as possible. Don’t “promote” this government. Do not praise it, do not associate your cause with the affairs of this government, ignore it with all your might, do not help it in anything, and we will see that it will have an effect. Because it’s all about the energy, where it is directed - that’s where it is. Therefore, do not direct it to maintain the vitality of this power and this power will weaken. On the other hand, let’s direct all our energy and authority to debunking this whole “Bolshevik ideology”, let’s talk everywhere and as often as possible about what crimes against humanity were committed by Lenin and Stalin, as well as their entire Communist Party. Let's talk more and more often about the fact that the monuments to Lenin left all over Russia are monuments to a murderer. But at the same time, it is important not to insult the memory of people who gave their lives in the service of the Motherland and people. However, the popular idea that Stalin won World War II must be refuted. The Russian people, just like the peoples of Europe, became victims of the inhuman machine of Hitlerism and Stalinism. Stalin did not win the war, he paved the way for victory with the bodies of millions of people, our fathers and grandfathers, who truly accomplished a heroic feat, but, however, we must not forget that many of them went on the attack at gunpoint of Russian machine guns. And this is also worth talking about as much as possible. The Second World War is a huge human tragedy, which the current government is unscrupulously using as a hook for the Russian people. And it’s painful to watch how on May 9, instead of silence and sorrow, death machines drive across Red Square, and the leaders of the ruling government stand next to the corpse of the unburied Lenin and raise their political rating in the eyes of citizens, calling it patriotism.
To summarize what has been said, I would like to once again draw our attention to the fact that it is precisely because of our inattention, fear, irresponsibility, laziness and selfishness that we have the power that we have. And the main thing we must do today is to believe in our strength, and believe me, it is very huge. Violence, revolutions, coups d'etat - none of this will bring us happiness or make this world a better place, but refusing to support violence is guaranteed to bring a positive result, and an example of this is India and the path of the great Gandhi.
I am far from politics and have never been involved in it, but today I feel that the time has come and there really is a chance to change something, because this cannot continue. Therefore, this year, I would like to devote my attention and energy to this, which I also encourage my colleagues to do. Personally, I don’t have a large audience at all, but I can say with confidence that my viewers are people who care about their lives and the life of our entire planet. And the main thing is that my viewers are very active and caring. And I will try to be equal to them. And if we all unite together and stop supporting violence, then we can do something for the future of our country and the world in general. Let's start with this presidential election and see what happens. We will do our job without aggression, without anger, without the desire for revenge, but simply because we were born to make life on this planet a little better. And freedom for Kirill Serebrennikov, of course!
I, playwright and director Ivan Vyrypaev, in connection with the arrest of my comrade and colleague director Kirill Serebrennikov, would like to appeal to figures of Russian culture.
Colleagues, friends! Let's be honest with ourselves that the arrest of Kirill Serebrennikov will again go unpunished for the authorities that govern Russia today. I see how most of you wrote your letters of support, came to the rally, gave interviews and even addressed the president. And this, forgive me, is becoming a tragicomic phenomenon. After all, in the meantime, most of you continue to make your films, stage plays and receive subsidies from the Ministry of Culture. One way or another, by cooperating with this government and thinking that with our creativity and our civic position we can change something in this country, or make our contribution to these changes, we are simply once again deceiving ourselves and our country. And this, excuse me, really looks very infantile.
To begin with, it would be good to honestly define what and who this power is. In 1917, an armed coup took place in Russia and power passed to the illegally created “Bolshevik” government. The authorities of this group of people carried out bloody terror against their citizens. Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin are certainly criminals and deserve only one thing - universal condemnation. From 1917 to this day, power in Russia has not changed. Today's government openly inherits the power of the terrorist organization "Bolsheviks". Monuments to Lenin stand in almost every city, his body lies on Red Square, not to mention the fact that even today busts and monuments to Stalin are erected. Also, the government openly uses the attributes of the terrorist organization “Bolsheviks”: banners, symbols, street names named after the leaders of the Red Terror, the music of the communist anthem (in other words), etc.
In 1991, after the collapse of the USSR, a nationwide referendum was not held in Russia on the question of what and who Russia is now. And what does this modern Russia have to do with the illegal power of the “Bolsheviks”. Formally, we began to be called the Russian Federation, but our state ideals still inherit the ideals of the “Bolshevik” government. There was absolutely no renunciation of the crimes of Lenin and Stalin, or general repentance. Lenin has not yet been buried, and the political symbol “hammer and sickle,” which in most civilized countries is equated with the fascist swastika, is still openly present in the public space both as paraphernalia, as souvenirs, and as a memory that is openly revered in our country. It is enough to walk along Old Arbat and see how everything there is literally replete with red stars, Budenovkas, Lenins and Stalins. Imagine that fascist symbols were sold in such quantities in the center of Berlin.
Playwright and director Ivan Vyrypaev wrote an open letter in support of director Kirill Serebrennikov. The full text of the letter can be found.
In the letter, Vyrypaev said that he would like to address “the details of Russian culture” and determine “what and who this government is.” “The current government openly inherits the power of the terrorist organization “Bolsheviks”. Monuments to Lenin stand in almost every city, his body lies on Red Square, not to mention the fact that even today busts and monuments to Stalin are erected. Also, the authorities openly use the attributes of the terrorist organization “Bolsheviks”: banners, symbols, street names named after the leaders of the Red Terror, the music of the communist anthem (in other words) and so on,” writes Vyrypaev.
In his opinion, the main problem of Russian society and Russian foreign policy is that “in the minds of Russians and many cultural figures, “Bolshevism” is not equal to fascism.”
The situation, according to Vyrypaev, can be changed by forming public opinion. “I personally don’t believe in the path of violence. This will not lead to anything good. Therefore, our only weapon is the formation of public opinion. Raising the younger generation with different values. And the first thing we, cultural figures, intellectuals, progressive people of Russia can do is stop supporting this government,” he said.
In particular, Vyrypaev called for “trying to reduce as much as possible” the rating of President Vladimir Putin before the 2018 elections, as well as “his authority and the authority of this entire ruling ideology.”
At the same time, the playwright emphasized that “violence, revolutions, coups d’etat - none of this will bring us happiness or make this world a better place, but refusal to support violence is guaranteed to bring a positive result, and an example of this is India and the path of the great Gandhi.”
On August 23, the Basmanny District Court placed director and artistic director of the Gogol Center Kirill Serebrennikov under house arrest until October 19. The Investigative Committee requested such a preventive measure.
In May, the artistic director of the Gogol Center, Kirill Serebrennikov, and the theater building were searched. The Investigative Committee stated that the events are related to the investigation into the theft of budget funds that were sent to Serebrennikov’s “Seventh Studio” in 2011–2014.
The amount of damage was estimated at 200 million rubles.
On August 22, the director was charged with fraud on an especially large scale. Employees of the Gogol Center called on Muscovites to come to the court hearing regarding the suppression of the director on August 23. In addition, a petition appeared on the Change.org website demanding an end to the criminal prosecution of Serebrennikov, which was condemned by many journalists, artists and politicians.
