ɪn kˈiːɛf hiː tˈʊk pˈɑːɹt ɪnðə ɹˈʌʃənlˈæŋɡwɪdʒ sˈɑːləvtsˌɑːv θˈiəɾɚ, wˌɪtʃ hæd bɪkˌʌm nˈoʊn fɔːɹ ɪts dˌɛdɪkˈeɪʃən tʊ ɑːɹtˈɪstɪk æz wˈɛl æz kəmˈɜːʃəl səksˈɛs; hiː wʌz æt fˈɜːst æn "ˈɛkstɹə", ænd ðˈɛn ɐdvˈænst tə smˈɔːl ɹˈoʊlz.
In Kiev he took part in the Russian-language Solovtsov Theater, which had become known for its dedication to artistic as well as commercial success; he was at first an "extra", and then advanced to small roles.