Russian opposition politician and former Duma deputy
The Royal Exchange’s 50th anniversary season has a central question of home. Rory Mullarkey’s play, staged in James Macdonald’s production, traverses Manchester’s history from 19th‑century poverty to 1996 city life, united by a post‑IRA bomb moment; it suggests future hope amid fragile identities.
Nadezhdin, a veteran Russian liberal politician, has posted a video from Paris stating he is alive and free but not in Russia as he reassesses next steps after facing detentions, a foreign agent designation, and a ban from September’s elections. He previously challenged Putin and planned to run in 2024 and 2026 elections but was barred amid a crackdown on dissent.