Who is Pavel Ustinov?
Making theater is what we do. But sometimes we have to do more.
There was an article this week in the newspaper about a Russian actor, Pavel Ustinov, who was tried and convicted for assaulting a police officer on August 3 at a demonstration in Moscow. He was tried and convicted even though there was a video that showed him walking along minding his own business during the demonstration, talking on his phone to someone, when he was jumped by four police officers in riot gear who beat him and dragged him away.
The judge wouldn’t allow the video to be shown in court.
What’s Up With That?
The national media ignored the story, but it didn’t go away. People who knew of the situation were outraged.
His friend, actor Aleksandr Pal, started a social media campaign to right the injustice. Other actors joined in posting “I/We are Pavel Ustinov” on their social media. Several Moscow theaters made statements of support at the end of their shows. Nikita Kukushkin, an actor with an avant guarde theater troupe, urged fellow actors to boycott government projects.
So far Mr. Ustinov is still in prison, but the fight to free him goes on.
Could It Happen Here?
People who work in the entertainment industry have internationally recognized names and faces.
They have access to media outlets that everyday people don’t.
THIS IS POWER, and sometimes, as in the case of Mr. Ustinov, it needs to be exercised.
I/We are Pavel Ustinov.
UPDATE:
Pavel Ustinov was released from prison on Friday.
Our art CAN change the world, and our ACTIONS can change the world!