The message reads, in part:
“You are an outstanding director and a man of shining talent and tremendous creative energy. You never chose the easy and well-trodden roads but took paths worthy of a true master of his craft and creator. The theatre that you established 50 years ago has become a unique part of Russian and world culture and a symbol of bold innovation and topical art that is unafraid of exploring all aspects of society.
It is important that you continue to find inspiration and work hard today, and that you remain true to your moral and artistic principles. You are always open to interesting and original ideas and plans.”
Yury Lyubimov was born in 1917 and made his stage debut in 1934. He has staged more than 50 shows at the Taganka Theatre alone, which he founded in Moscow in 1964. He has also staged some 30 operas and plays on some of the world’s best known stages, including Milan’s La Scala, the Grand Opera in Paris, Covent Garden in London and many others.