On August 17, 2025, a date chosen to coincide with what would have been his 90th birthday, the Moscow Art Theatre (MXAT) Museum unveiled a poignant exhibition titled “Oleg Tabakov: `My Business Is To Play!`”. This retrospective offers an intimate journey into the life and work of Oleg Pavlovich Tabakov, one of Russia`s most revered theatre figures, with a particular focus on his transformative tenure at the Chekhov Moscow Art Theatre.
A Timeless Legacy: Celebrating Oleg Tabakov`s 90th Birthday
The MXAT Museum, renowned for its dedication to preserving the rich tapestry of its theatrical heritage, has consistently championed the memory of its luminaries. This year, following tributes to figures like Kachalov and Smoktunovsky, and a heartfelt evening for Pilyavskaya, it was Oleg Tabakov`s turn to take center stage. The exhibition is a testament to the deep reverence the institution holds for its “own,” an unwavering commitment to honoring those who shaped its spirit.
More Than Just an Exhibition: A Family Gathering
The opening of the exhibition was not merely a formal event but a warm, almost familial celebration, held in the courtyard of Stanislavsky`s house in Leontievsky Lane. This location was a deliberate choice, echoing a cherished tradition from Tabakov`s time as artistic director: regardless of their summer retreats, actors and staff would return to Moscow on August 17 to celebrate with their beloved leader. Pavel Vaschilin, the director of the MXAT Museum, articulated the sentiment perfectly: “Oleg Pavlovich deeply revered the founding fathers, constantly quoting them, paying homage, and teaching us all to follow their example. As he used to say, `To say thank you is one of the most important human habits.` With this exhibition, we say thank you to Oleg Pavlovich.”
The vernissage was graced by Tabakov`s closest family and colleagues, including his wife Marina Zudina, son Pavel, and his assistant Kirill Trubetskoy, who worked alongside the artist for 18 years. Avant-Garde Leontiev, whom Tabakov himself invited to the MXAT, fondly recalled Tabakov as “a surprisingly helpful and accessible person for everyone,” someone whose door was always open for a candid conversation, and from whom assistance was always guaranteed.
“My Business Is To Play”: The Core of a Master`s Life
The exhibition`s title, “My Business Is To Play!”, comes directly from Tabakov`s own words. Marina Zudina recounted a conversation where she remarked on his varied roles – theatre director, mentor, studio founder, manager. His response was unequivocal: “He said that most of all, he loved to play.” This profound statement forms the very essence of the display.
Upon entry, visitors are greeted by a charming sculpture of Oleg Pavlovich holding theatrical masks, an immediate photo opportunity for many. Beyond this, a chronological sequence of photographs showcases his iconic stage performances over the years. One notable display features him as Salieri alongside a young Sergey Bezrukov in “Amadeus,” directly opposite the actual velvet, silk, and leather costumes worn by his character in that very production. Such juxtapositions offer a tangible connection to his celebrated roles.
Beyond the Stage: Glimpses into Tabakov`s Relentless Drive
A significant portion of the exhibition delves into Tabakov`s professional philosophy through his own insightful quotations. Large display panels feature timeless maxims such as: “Acting is a craft that is passed ONLY FROM HAND TO HAND.” Another profound thought offers a deeper perspective: “What is the most important thing in the acting profession? It turns out it`s very difficult to answer this question. Each of us has our own answer. To me, for example, it seems that the MOST IMPORTANT THING IS A HIGH MORAL MESSAGE, that is, the ideal, the human and civic goals that we uphold in our work.” These statements provide a window into the intellectual and ethical framework that guided his artistic endeavors.
The second hall takes a more personal turn, revealing Oleg Pavlovich through his cherished possessions. A collection of dictaphones highlights their crucial role in his work as an artistic director. Adjacent to this, his meticulously preserved work desk, a veritable sanctum, displays the theatre`s repertoire and his daily schedule. This schedule, a fascinating artifact, reveals a life of relentless activity: a continuous cycle of run-throughs, rehearsals, and meetings with an astonishing array of individuals, from the Mayor of Moscow to the theatre`s head of household. It`s almost comical to observe how even for a theatrical maestro, the day-to-day involved such mundane, yet essential, logistics. Tellingly, March 8th, International Women`s Day, is emphatically marked “Day Off!” — with an exclamation mark, no less.
A practical “life hack” from Oleg Pavlovich for all aspiring planners is also on display: if tasks were located in different places, he would invariably note the location in an adjacent column, simplifying his complex travel arrangements. If one were to choose a single epithet to describe Oleg Pavlovich most accurately, “tireless” would undoubtedly be the most fitting.
The Enduring Philosophy: Wisdom for Aspiring Artists
Tabakov`s respect for the “founding fathers” of Russian theatre, particularly Konstantin Stanislavsky, was a recurring theme in his leadership. He consistently emphasized the importance of their principles, viewing them not as rigid rules but as living guides for artistic practice. This exhibition beautifully illustrates how Tabakov, while a visionary innovator, remained deeply rooted in the traditions that formed the bedrock of the Moscow Art Theatre. His commitment to the direct transmission of theatrical knowledge, as articulated in his quote about the craft being passed “from hand to hand,” underscores his belief in mentorship and practical experience over abstract theory.
The exhibition ultimately serves as a powerful reminder of Oleg Tabakov`s multifaceted genius: a charismatic actor, an inspiring mentor, a diligent administrator, and above all, an unwavering servant of the stage. His legacy, built on passion, discipline, and a profound understanding of the human spirit, continues to resonate, ensuring that his “business to play” remains a timeless source of inspiration for generations to come.
