Putin, Medvedev greet Mark Zakharov on his jubilee

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev sent their greetings to the Art Director of the Lenkom Theatre Mark Zakharov with his jubilee on Sunday. “Your work has become a true phenomenon not only in the history of the Russian drama theatre, but also in the public life,” the presidential greeting reads. “It is a big date not only personally for you, but also for all the fans of your bright and deep talent,” the prime minister said in his greeting. The Lenkom Theatre is the official name of what was once known as the Moscow State Theatre named after Lenin's Komsomol. Designed by Illarion Ivanov-Schitz, it was built in 1907 to house a Merchant's Club, and was home to many theatrical and musical performances. After the October Revolution of 1918, the building was annexed by the local party committee, eventually becoming the home of "Theatre for Working Youth" (TRAM) in 1927. Thus, the future theatre established its reputation as a theatre for young people, by young people. Over its 80-year career, Lenkom has been a forerunner of new, fresh and experimental theatre in the Soviet Union, and now Russia.