Russian Theater Director And Playwright On Trial For Terrorism

Theater director Zhenya Berkovich, left, and playwright Svetlana Petriychuk are seen in a glass cage prior to a hearing in a court in Moscow, Russia, Monday, May 20, 2024. Berkovich, a prominent indep

In a Russian court on Monday, the trial of a theater director and a playwright accused of advocating terrorism in a play has commenced. The accused, a prominent independent theater director and playwright, have been in jail for over a year. Authorities claim their play 'Finist, the Brave Falcon' justifies terrorism, a criminal offense in Russia punishable by up to seven years in prison. Both defendants have consistently denied the allegations.

The director stated in court that the play was staged to prevent terrorism, while the playwright mentioned that she wrote it to prevent events similar to those depicted in the play. Their lawyers have highlighted that the play was supported by the Russian Culture Ministry and even won the prestigious Golden Mask award. Additionally, the play was well-received when read to inmates of a women's prison in Siberia, with Russia's state penitentiary service praising it on their website.

The case has sparked outrage in Russia, with over 16,000 people signing an open letter in support of the artists. The letter argues that the play conveys a clear anti-terrorist sentiment. Numerous actors, directors, and journalists have also urged the court to release the defendants from custody pending investigation and trial.

They have been in jail for over a year.

The accused are a theater director and a playwright in Russia.

The play 'Finist, the Brave Falcon' is at the center of the trial.

Authorities claim the play justifies terrorism.

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin has intensified its crackdown on dissent, leading to a surge in repression reminiscent of the Soviet era. Criticism of the war has been effectively criminalized, with individuals facing repercussions for speaking out against it. Artists critical of the government have faced repercussions, including job terminations and performance blacklists. Some have been labeled as 'foreign agents,' subjecting them to increased government scrutiny and negative connotations, prompting many to leave Russia.

Despite the challenges, the theater director, who is a mother of two adopted daughters, has chosen to remain in Russia and continue her work with an independent theater production in Moscow. She was briefly jailed for staging an anti-war picket following the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine.