File:Brincken Monro 2004b.jpg

English: Vladislav (Mamyshev) Monro, russian artist and actor (right), speaks to Bernd von den Brincken, german curator (left) on the entrance of the 'Französische Friedrichstadtkirche' at Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin.

The Friedrichstadt-Church had opened it's huge space for an installation of (former russian) artist Joulia Straussova, a disciple of the St. Petersburg 'New academy' of Timur Novikov, where she worked with Monro already in the 1990ies. Monro was invited by Joulia to the opening on proposal of Bernd a few weeks before, albeit without being expected to perform at the venue. He arrived at the opening playing the role of Adolf Hitler, the german dictator who lead Germany to World War II and the Holocaust. Monro had taken dozens of roles of historic figures before, using the 'method acting' technique referring russian director Konstantin Stanislavski, and preparing his appearance with a high attention to detail in mask, gesture and attitude. In the conversation with Bernd, Vladik presented himself as a younger incarnation of Hitler, with all the knowledge of history, but with a positive attitude and charm to understand and find his new role in the world of today. His arrival as Hitler at the opening was met with irritation by Joulia and other participants. Among the organizers were jewish members of the church community. After consultations with them, Joulia asked Monro to leave the place. He apologized kindly for any misunderstanding that might have occured, and disappeared, avoiding invitations to meet in Berlin before he left for Russia again.

Never before and never after has Vladik Monro put his feet on german soil.