Shifrin Yefim (Nakhim) Zalmanovich (b. 1956, Neksikan, Magadan Oblast), variety-stage performer. In 1973–74 he studied at the philology faculty of the State University of Latvia. In 1974–78 – at the variety department of GUTSEI, in the course of R. G. Viktyuk. He began acting under the same teacher in MGU's theatre studio in 1977. In 1978–88 he worked at Moskontsert. In 1980–85 he studied at the directing-for-variety faculty of GITIS. His first solo show – “I Would Like to Say” (1985), based mainly on the works of V. M. Koklyushkin. Also based on Koklyushkin's works he staged the shows “Three Questions,” “Round Moon,” and others (Moscow Variety Theatre, 1988–90). From 1990 he has been the creator and artistic director of “Shifrin Theatre,” whose repertoire includes the shows “A Photograph to Remember By” (1991), “Lone Wolf” (1995), “Waiting for a Call from Hollywood” (1996), and “New Russian Solitaire” (1997). Sh. also performs vocal works in his shows and concerts, among them romances by D. D. Shostakovich to words by Sasha Cherny (the show “I Play Shostakovich,” 1990), “Jerusalem” by M. A. Minkov, “Return” by V. L. Matetsky, “Tumbalalaika,” “Sheremetyevo-2” by A. Pevny, “Southern Night” by A. L. Klevitsky, and others. Acting work in other theatres: Alberto (“I Don't Know You Anymore, My Dear” by A. de Benedetti, Yevgeny Vakhtangov Theatre, 1994), Antonio (“Love with an Idiot” by V. Franceschi, Roman Viktyuk Theatre, 1995). He has performed roles in the film “Bolotnaya Street” (1992), in the humorous newsreel “Yeralash,” in music videos and videos. Participant in television programmes: “Morning Mail,” “Around Laughter,” “Anshlag! Anshlag!”; in 1995–96 host of the weekly programme “Did Someone Call for a Comedian?”; from 1997 – of the programme “Hello, Fima!” In 1996 three cassette albums by Sh. were released, including the song album “Does a Jew Need Much?” Author of the book “The Theatre Named After Me” (1994, co-authored with G. V. Viren). Laureate of the 1st Moscow Competition of Variety Artists (1979), the 7th All-Russian Competition of Variety Artists (1983), and the “Golden Ostap” prize (1992).

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