The “Choice of the 33” independent theater award was established in St. Petersburg by initiative of the Committee on Culture.  

“We decided to launch this experiment because outcomes of professional awards, including the theater ones, often do not meet aspirations of many people. Jury and expert council’s members are often reproached in prejudices and lack of objectivity, along with a number of other sins.  This is why we decided to establish an independent theater award,” – Anton Gubankov, Chair of the Committee, said to ITAR-TASS.  Theater critics, directors and people professionally not affiliated with theater became members of the expert group.   

According to the majority of the experts, the Alexandrinsky Theater was named “the theater of the year.” Andrey Moguchy’s performance “Izotov,” directed at the Alexandrinsky Theater, won in the nomination of “The Best Drama Theater Performance.”  The experts recognized the “Cherbourg Parasols” musical directed by Vasily Barkhatov at the Karambol musical theater for children and adults “the discovery of the year.”   

The experts have also recognized success of Yanina Lakoba, actress of the Alexandrinsky Theater, in two performances: “Ksenia. The History of Love” and “Uncle Vanya.” Such independent selection will be taking place by results of each calendar year.