Winner: Lars Noren Best Actress Award
Legacy: Class of Anatoly Vasiliev (Italy / Moscow, Russia)
Voice: Leading roles in Cats, Phantom & Chicago
Masha Kotlova: Visionary Director & Award-Winning Performer
The Pedigree of Excellence: Masha Kotlova is an internationally acclaimed director, actor, and music producer whose work is defined by a rigorous commitment to the avant-garde traditions of European theater. As a distinguished ambassador of the Anatoly Vasilyev tradition, she specializes in "psycho-physical" directing—a method that bridges deep philosophical inquiry with visceral, live improvisation. Her artistic voice has resonated across the world’s major cultural capitals, from the experimental stages of New York and Italy to the historic theaters of Moscow, Tallinn, and Kiev.
Directorial Vision & Professional Leadership: Most recently known for the world premiere of Hell Dialogues at The Sheen Center (NYC), Kotlova’s directorial portfolio spans classical reimagining and contemporary world premieres. Her leadership is marked by an exceptional ability to manage complex, international productions under pressure, often utilizing theater as a sanctuary for resilience during times of global crisis. Whether directing Sartre-inspired existentialism or large-scale musical productions, her work is consistently praised for its "freshness," "intellectual stimulation," and "surrealist beauty."
A Legacy of Performance & Voice: Beyond the director’s chair, Kotlova is a celebrated, award-winning actor and vocalist.
Critical Acclaim: Winner of the prestigious Lars Noren Award for Best Actress (Stockholm, Sweden).
Musical Mastery: An accomplished Soprano who has led iconic productions including Cats (Grizabella), Phantom of the Opera (Christina), and Chicago (Roxie).
Multidisciplinary Expertise: A Master’s degree holder in Theater and Film Acting with a secondary career as a music producer (Solo Album: Ayvaz) and vocal coach for international theater unions.
Global Perspective: With a career that seamlessly integrates film, television, and live performance, Kotlova brings a truly polyglot and multifaceted perspective to every project. Fluent in English, Ukrainian, and Russian, she creates works that are not only artistically daring but culturally profound—promoting a unique bridge between European art and the New York stage.