Russian actress Natalia Bizeva, an Honored Artist of Russia and veteran star of the Romen Theatre in Moscow, has died at the age of 81.
Her death was announced by Nikolai Sergienko, the artistic director of the venue, in comments reported by state news agency RIA Novosti. Sergienko said Bizeva passed away on August 16 following a long illness, adding that she had not appeared on stage for a long time before her death.
Bizeva came from a family of actors at Moscow's historic Romen Theatre. She was the daughter of Vasily Bizev, an Honored Artist of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic, and actress Valentina Verbitskaya.
She completed her formal drama education at GITIS, the Russian Institute of Theatre Arts, graduating in 1984. During her career with the Romen company, Bizeva starred in stage productions including Gypsy Aza, Gypsy Legend, Four Suitors, and Gypsy Love.
Romen Theatre and Romani stage tradition
The Romen Theatre, located in Moscow, is widely recognized as the world's oldest professional Romani theatre company. Founded in 1931, the institution was established to preserve and promote Romani cultural heritage, theatrical arts, and musical traditions in Russia.
The title of Honored Artist of Russia is a state honor awarded to performing artists for outstanding achievements and contributions to national culture. GITIS, where Bizeva trained, is one of the largest and oldest drama academies in Europe.
Recent loss in Russian theatre
The news of Bizeva's death comes alongside the passing of another veteran Russian stage figure. Leonid Rudoy, a People's Artist of Russia and actor based in Vologda, died on the night of August 16 at the age of 80.
Rudoy, who was best known to television audiences for his role in the drama series Ivan the Terrible, also died following prolonged health problems, according to reports.
