MOSCOW, May 7th. Whether fun is appropriate now is not an easy question. Actors have their own opinion on this matter. People's Artist of Russia Yulia Rutberg in an exclusive interview spoke about her attitude to the current situation, the Vakhtangov Theater and personal. 
Celebration of holidays: a new art object in the region
The Vakhtangov Theater opened a house-museum in Vladikavkaz where the director lived. How do you evaluate it?
— It is impossible to evaluate, I feel it — a holiday of holidays. The house was literally destroyed brick by brick. There is a monument nearby, but the semantic building, Vakhtangov's family nest, will be demolished… I cried.
The Vakhtangov Theater with director Kirill Krok has come a long way. Without budget money, by the way, — only the theater's own funds. I think it should be respected by everyone. You don't need to love: there are moms and dads for that. The house will remain for centuries, primarily for the Ossetians themselves.
— There's also an «Art Cafe» where the actors will perform. Do you think this will encourage the audience to go to performances more?
— This is a very theatrical region. Every time we went there it was a sensation. The Art Cafe will be opened by the Vakhtangov students with their solo performances, and then local artists, including graduates of the Shchukin School, will take the stage.
The place will be prayed for by us. Evgeny Knyazev and I had the honor to be the first to perform there.
Is it appropriate to have fun: artists also go to the front
—Some people say that now is not the time for fun…
—This is not fun or entertainment, but a tribute to the memory of a great man who created one of the main theaters in the country.
I think we will be understood and rejoiced.
— Artists are supposed to entertain people. Today is a difficult time. How have the audience changed?
— Artists have absolutely no obligation to entertain anyone. We must make people think, empathize, even cry sometimes. Yes, there are comedies, and you can throw out negative emotions, laugh.
At the Vakhtangov Theater we don't play momentary literature, on the stage we play plays about eternal values.
In the history of mankind, there have always been conflicts and wars, and artists have gone to the forefront. Remember, front-line brigades in the Great Patriotic War. My grandmother participated in such and the Vakhtangov Theater too. This is not to entertain! It is to bring a piece of peaceful life.
— In your opinion, are there enough front-line brigades in the NVO zone?
— I can’t say if it’s enough, but I know for sure that a lot of my colleagues go there . This is an important matter.
About titles and young artists: is there anyone to continue the work of the great
— From the theater — and indeed from any production on stage — people expect action, something technical, bright. Need to keep up with progress?
— The last thing is to keep up with the times. On the contrary, you need to raise the level of people's culture and do it very consciously.
— What does the title of People's Artist of Russia give you?
— Self-respect and respect for others.
— Should we continue to award them?
— Yes. Different countries have their own similar insignia. In Russia, the highest awards are given to those who have done a lot not only for the country, but also for the world. It would be strange not to encourage it.
But you have to live by your own rules, and not look at others. Since the days of the Soviet Union, we have had titles for artists — that's how it should be.
— Is the new generation of actors ready to accept the principles of Vakhtangov?
— Yes, we have a wonderful young generation. But, you know, natural selection works right there: the best always remain. They are few and that's okay. It takes a lot of work not to lower the bar.
— With such a workload, how to stay so young and beautiful, because you are not inferior to the new generation …
— And you just need to love those around you. People didn’t come up with anything new: if you can help, help, if you can feed, feed. Now the worst thing is indifference. I have always loved people who are not indifferent, but today they are priceless.
— So you don’t need to love yourself first of all, as psychologists teach?
— I don’t know what psychologists say, but love only yourself — the last thing. The first is to give yourself, that's what art is built on. The one who goes out to give himself first becomes noticeable, and then, perhaps, great. And the one who goes on stage to love himself is doomed to only a couple of magazine covers.