The legendary actor`s hometown unveils “Oleg Tabakov. Real Life,” a unique tribute to his theatrical genesis.
In a fitting tribute to one of Russia`s most beloved theatrical figures, Oleg Tabakov, his cherished hometown of Saratov has become the latest stage for a commemorative exhibition. On August 21, 2025, just days after what would have been his 90th birthday, the Russian State Exhibition Center for Contemporary Art (ROSIZO), in collaboration with the Radishchev Art Museum and the Saratov Regional Museum of Local Lore, opened “Oleg Tabakov. Real Life”.
This exhibition in the Gymnasium building of the Radishchev Art Museum is not merely another stop on a celebratory circuit – Moscow had its initial showcases at the Zaryadye Media Center and the MXAT Museum – but a deeply symbolic homecoming. Saratov, the Volga city where Tabakov`s remarkable journey began, holds a special place in the narrative, a fact the actor himself frequently acknowledged throughout his life.
The Curatorial Symphony: An Exhibition That Sings
What sets “Oleg Tabakov. Real Life” apart is its innovative, almost theatrical approach to biography. Eschewing a dry chronological listing, the exhibition initiates its guests with an auditory experience: music. As curator Andrey Raikin explains, the sounds that greet visitors are “music that played in the Tabakov family home during his childhood.” These are the very melodies — from Vadim Kozin and Isabella Yurieva to Ivan Kozlovsky, Sergey Lemeshev, and Kéto Dzhaparidze — that once emanated from his father`s gramophone, setting the scene for a life steeped in art.
This lyrical opening immediately transports attendees into the warm, intimate atmosphere of Tabakov’s Saratov childhood, emphasizing the emotional landscape that shaped him. It’s a clever touch, reminding us that every grand career has its humble, heartfelt beginnings, often underscored by a forgotten tune.
The Stage as His “Real Life”
The core of the exhibition revolves around a singular, profound statement from Tabakov himself: that his “real life” was the stage and direct interaction with the audience. This conviction, Raikin notes, explains the exhibition`s unwavering focus on theater over cinema, despite Tabakov`s extensive filmography. “It is in the theatre,” Tabakov believed, “that an actor`s personality is formed, their inner world grows, and their relationship with the audience develops. They learn to energetically charge a performance.” Cinema, in his view, was a place to apply and, in the best sense, “exploit” those fundamental theatrical skills.
The exhibition meticulously traces Tabakov`s theatrical evolution: from the “Molodaya Gvardiya” studio in Saratov, where his path to acting was irrevocably forged under the guidance of his first teacher, Natalia Sukhostav; through his foundational years as a member of the first troupe of the “Sovremennik” Theater; his influential tenure at the Moscow Art Theatre (MHT); and ultimately, to the establishment of his own theater and the creation of a college for gifted young talents. Each step underscores his profound dedication to the craft.
A Life Intertwined with National Destiny
Perhaps the most ingeniously structured section of the exhibition draws a fascinating parallel between Tabakov`s personal milestones and pivotal moments in Soviet history. Displayed against pages from the newspaper “Pravda,” the exhibition reveals striking coincidences. Consider, for instance, the year 1953: a time of national upheaval with the death of Stalin, which also marked a drastic personal shift for Tabakov as he moved to Moscow and entered the MXAT School-Studio. Or 1956, the year of the XX Congress of the CPSU, coinciding with the opening of the “Sovremennik.” Such juxtapositions, while perhaps a touch grand, provide an intriguing lens through which to view an individual`s journey against the backdrop of an evolving nation.
Beyond the Footlights: An Abstract Reflection
The journey through Tabakov`s life culminates in an abstract hall, where his personality is depicted as “dissolved” into a broader artistic world. Here, visitors encounter solely artistic works — mesmerizing views of the Volga region, enchanting landscapes, and the theatrical world as reflected through painting. This section serves as a contemplative space, inviting reflection on the deeper, intangible impact of Tabakov`s spirit on the cultural fabric, extending far beyond specific roles or institutions.
The “Oleg Tabakov. Real Life” exhibition is more than a retrospective; it is a meticulously crafted narrative that honors a theatrical titan by returning to his beginnings. It reminds us that even the grandest careers are built on foundational passions, childhood memories, and a profound understanding of one`s true calling. For residents of Saratov and visitors alike, it offers a rare opportunity to connect with the roots of a legend, celebrating his 90th anniversary with the warmth and sincerity he always maintained for his hometown.
