Did one of the most iconic film directors of all-time screw over the American Theatre in Moscow? According to a lawsuit filed by the theatre organization, he did just that.

Russian media are reporting that the American theatre in Moscow is suing Oscar-winning film director Steven Spielberg for $1.5 million. According to Russian media outlet Mash, the Jaws director allegedly stopped supporting the project after the ‘special operation’ began, and the troupe of 50 people lost their contracts and venues.

There have reportedly been no rehearsals in the theatre for two months.

The lawsuit was filed by the theatre’s producer Alexander N (Shiryaev), and the document was sent to the Central Court in Southern California, the news outlet reported.

According to the producer, “Spielberg violated the terms of the contract and must reimburse the investment costs.”

Speaking to another Russian media outlet, Gazeta.Ru, Alexander N (Shiryaev) said that he and Spielberg had an agreement that the director would support the theatre “with production and also financially.”

“We haven’t received any comments from his representatives or himself. We do not know for sure why it happens. We have ceased to exist in normal working mode.”

The American Theater in Moscow has been operating since November 2021. Its goal is to offer Russians a complete American theater experience. The theater's repertoire includes performances in English only, created on the basis of popular works.

The first performance of the institution was the play "La La Land", the basis of which was a Hollywood movie musical. It was directed by Kay Rommel , a Cleveland native who received a bachelor's degree in acting from Otterbein University and a master's degree in acting from GITIS. To date, this is the only work in the theater's repertoire. According to information on the institution's official website, the team is also currently working on the romantic comedy Breakfast at Tiffany's. The date of the premiere of this performance is still unknown.

As for the financing of the project, the theater had no official agreements with Steven Spielberg. “There was no directly signed document, but we are looking for options on how to further interact with the situation. The court is one of the options, lawyers are studying, ”said Alexander N.

He emphasized that the actors and other employees of the institution "remain committed to their work and continue to work", despite the fact that the theater no longer has informational, organizational or financial support. At the moment, the American Theater operates on the personal money of Alexander N.

Representatives for Spielberg have not responded for comment.

Did Steven Spielberg screw over an American theatre in Moscow?

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