Movie Actress Natalia Troubnikova, famed for her role in "31 June," has vanished from the silver screen. This piece explores her current whereabouts.
In the world of Soviet cinema, few performances have left as lasting an impression as that of Natalia Trubnikova in the film "31 June" (1978). Directed by Leonid Kvinikhidze, the film was considered one of his strongest works.
Before her silver-screen debut, Trubnikova harboured dreams of a career as a ballerina. Born into a family of artists, her passion for dance was evident from a young age. She started in a dance studio and later enrolled in the prestigious Bolshoi Ballet School.
However, fate had other plans. Trubnikova's journey to stardom began when she was cast as Malisenta in "31 June." The film, with its fantastical story and elements of magic, was met with criticism by some critics. Yet, Trubnikova's performance was praised, and she became a household name.
The film's success was not without its controversies. One of the film's actors, Alexander Godunov, refused to return to the Soviet Union after his tours, causing a major scandal. This incident led to an unwritten rule not to cast ballet dancers in films.
Despite this, Trubnikova continued to audition for films, but she wasn't cast in small, episodic roles. It wasn't until Mark Zakharov, the director of the Moscow Art Theatre, approved her for a minor role that Trubnikova's fortunes turned. The role broke a series of failures and catapulted her to fame.
The Art Council of "Mosfilm" found various symbolism, strange parallels with the East and West, and hints at ideological constructs behind the fairytale images in the film. As a result, "31 June" was withdrawn from circulation for seven years after its release.
Trubnikova's personal life was as fascinating as her professional one. She fell deeply in love with dancer Anatoly Kulakov, whom she first worked with on the ballet "Enlightenment." The couple had to live with Kulakov's mother initially due to financial constraints.
After retiring, Kulakov started a new business as the ballet master of a fashion house on Arbat. Trubnikova, too, chose to return to her first love - dance. She ended up in the Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Music Theater.
Trubnikova's friendship with Nikolai Eryomenko Jr., with whom she starred in "31 June," was another highlight of her career. The two developed a strong bond and remained friends for many years.
Despite her success in dance, Trubnikova's career in film was short-lived. She hasn't been in films for over 30 years. However, her role as Malisenta in "31 June" remains a testament to her talent and the impact she made on Soviet cinema.
As for why Trubnikova chose dance over acting after her role in "31 June," detailed interviews or biographies might provide more insight. Based on current knowledge, it seems Trubnikova chose dance because of her deeper passion for it and a desire to develop her artistic expression through ballet rather than film acting.
Trubnikova's decision to prioritize dance over acting after her successful film career suggests a preference for entertaining with her love of ballet, thus shaping a personal lifestyle centered around her passion for relationships with other dancers and entertainment in the realm of dance. Moreover, Trubnikova's enduring friendship with fellow celebrity Nikolai Eryomenko Jr., formed during their collaboration in the film "31 June," serves as an indicator of the importance of companionship and connections in her relationships.
