Susanna Bentsianova, a veteran Russian theatre journalist and former editor of the Bolshoi Theatre newspaper, has died at the age of 93.
Her death was announced by the press service of the Bolshoi Theatre, where she worked for more than 60 years. The theatre stated that the company grieved and expressed deep condolences to the family and relatives of the deceased.
The press service promised to provide additional information regarding the date and location of the farewell ceremony at the theatre at a later time.
Career at the Bolshoi Theatre
Bentsianova earned her professional qualifications at the theatre studies faculty of GITIS, the Russian Institute of Theatre Arts. Founded in the late 19th century in Moscow, GITIS is one of the country's oldest and largest performing arts academies.
During her long tenure at the Bolshoi Theatre newspaper, she rose through the ranks from literary staff member to chief managing editor. The Bolshoi Theatre, established in 1776, stands as one of Russia's landmark cultural institutions, world-renowned for its opera and ballet companies.
Over many years, Bentsianova and her editorial team provided comprehensive coverage of developments within the theatre industry and public life. Her reporting encompassed Russian and international performance tours, in-depth profiles of prominent artists, and reviews of premiere productions.
Awards and official honors
Bentsianova's long-standing work and commitment to the theatre received official state recognition in 1996, when she was granted the title of Honoured Worker of Culture of the Russian Federation. The title is a national distinction bestowed for significant contributions to Russian arts, media, and preservation of culture.
She also received internal recognition from the institution, winning the award of the Board of Trustees of the Bolshoi Theatre on two separate occasions, in 2006 and in 2013.
Recent losses in Russian cultural life
The news of Bentsianova's death follows the passing of actress Lyudmila Chursina, a prominent member of the Central Academic Theatre of the Russian Army troupe who died at the age of 84. Chursina, a recipient of the People's Artist of the USSR title, had been set to celebrate a milestone anniversary in July.
