Golden Mask brings theatre leaders together for Moscow conference

The third national conference of Russia's Golden Mask theatre award and festival opened in Moscow on October 13. Theatre leaders are discussing entry procedures and the work of expert panels and juries.

The meeting takes place at the Theatre on Strastnoy. Award director Marina Samuseva said the priority was an open competition cycle and dialogue with the theatre community. She noted that last year's conference drew more than 130 cultural professionals.

Organisers said the two most recent competition cycles, the 31st and 32nd, received more than 1,500 entries. Festival performances attracted over 81,000 spectators, while professional and educational events drew more than 15,000 participants.

This year's programme covers the award's history, application procedures, cooperation with theatres and selection bodies. These are the meeting's discussion topics, rather than rule changes already adopted.

Winners of the 33rd award are expected to be announced at a ceremony in Chelyabinsk in 2027. Established in 1993, Golden Mask recognises the season's leading work across different forms of theatre.