Leonid Okunev, the celebrated founder and artistic director of the Tyumen Youth Theater “Engagement,” died at the age of 76 last Sunday, September 8. His sudden passing marks a profound loss for the theatrical community of Tyumen and its residents, who admired his unwavering dedication to the arts. According to the regional department of culture, Okunev was a central figure in the Tyumen theatre scene for several decades, merging tradition with innovation and creating unforgettable experiences for audiences.
Okunev, born on January 25, 1949, in Tyumen, graduated from the Tyumen State Institute of Culture and Arts and contributed to various drama theaters nationwide, from Tyumen to Arkhangelsk. He co-founded the Engagement Theatre in 1993 with Viktor Zagoruiko and became its permanent director in 2005. Okunev’s leadership was marked by a commitment to nurturing talent, fostering creativity, and elevating the cultural profile of Tyumen far beyond the region.
Colleagues from the theatre described Okunev as a mentor and a guiding force who inspired the entire team. They noted that he consistently pushed forward, driving the theatre to new heights and instilling a sense of purpose and determination in everyone around him. In a statement from “Engagement,” it was said that his passing is a pain that will forever remain with those who knew and worked with him.
Okunev had ambitious plans for the future of his beloved theatre. Earlier this year, after a partial renovation of the theatre building, he spoke of his dream for a new and improved venue, emphasizing that Tyumen deserved better. He believed in action over idle dreaming and had even outlined a project, though he acknowledged the need for political will to see it through.
Throughout his career, Okunev was celebrated for his contributions, earning titles such as Honored Artist of Russia and Honorary Citizen of Tyumen in 2022. His legacy is not only in the performances and institutions he built but also in the indelible mark he left on the artistic landscape of Tyumen.