(*1985)
Zhenya Berkovich (full name Evgeniya Borisovna Berkovich) is a prominent figure in contemporary Russian culture – a talented and acclaimed theater director, playwright, poet, and courageous social activist. She belongs to the creative generation associated with Kirill Serebrennikov and is the founder of the independent theater group Dcery SOSO, which focuses on productions with a strong social impact. Her notable projects include the 2020 play Finist the Bright Falcon, which draws on the real stories of Russian women who married radical Islamists and left for Syria. This production won awards at the Golden Mask Festival for best costumes and best original play. However, her artistic and civic stance brought her into conflict with the state authorities.
On May 5, 2023, Berkovič and playwright Svetlana Petrijtchuk were arrested on charges of publicly justifying terrorism based on their play Finist the Bright Falcon. The charges were based on reports from conservative groups, including the National Liberation Movement of Russia. On July 8, 2024, both women were sentenced to six years in prison for allegedly “defending terrorism.” While in prison, Berkovich wrote her literary debut, an allegorical novel entitled The Pets (Питомцы), which she sent from prison with the help of her friends. The book was published in November 2024 by the Berlin publishing house Babel Books Berlin. It is available in print and online. The publication of the book was seen as an act of cultural resistance and solidarity with the author, who was imprisoned at the time.
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