Actress blacklisted by Russia performs in Estepona

Liya Akehdzhakova is one of the growing number of Russian artists fleeing the country and settling abroad, often with no other choice after being accused of treason.

Throughout her over 50-year-long career in film and theatre, Liya's talent has been recognised through her numerous performances in popular Soviet and Russian comedies, gaining her various honours and awards.

Liya Akhedzhakova is not someone who can ignore her conscience. She is empathetic to those less fortunate, and not afraid to call out what she she disagrees with. In recent decades, the Soviet star has become an activist for human rights and democracy, openly criticising Putin and the Kremlin.

In February, the Sovremennik Theatre in Moscow, which Liya had been working with since 1977, cancelled the plays she was performing in. Two months later, in April, the 84-year-old actress was stripped of her state awards, labelled a spy, and charged with three articles of the criminal code. The actress said “I've been accused of the most heinous and serious crime that anyone can be accused of these days - supporting the Ukrainian army. That's treason, up to 20 years in prison.”

Liya Akhedzhakova is now on tour around Europe. On 4 May at 8pm, she will perform in the play 'My Grandson Veniamin', at the Auditorio Felipe VI in Estepona. Tickets are available here