Russia is famous for its long theatrical traditions and talents. Each major Russian city has its own wonderful theaters, favorite actors and performances. But it is difficult to deny that the main theatrical life of the country is concentrated in the capital. The famous Moscow theaters every season attract thousands of spectators from all over the country to their performances. Premiere tickets are sold well before performances. But the capital's temples of art take care not only of adult theater-goers, but also of small spectators. Children in the theater season always have something to see.
Moscow theaters for children
More than a hundred Moscow theaters regularly stage performances for children on their stages. Almost all respected adult theater venues have children's performances in their repertoire.
But their work is designed mainly for middle-aged and older children. Toddlers are engaged in special children's theaters. More than 20 children's theaters operate in Moscow , which annually delight children with interesting and unusual performances. Children can watch unusual animal shows at the Yuri Kuklachev’s Cat Theater or Grandpa Durov’s Corner, visit the magical Shadow Theater, or watch puppeteers operate large puppets at the Puppet Theater. In general, puppet theaters occupy the largest place among children's theatrical institutions for the smallest. This is probably due to the fact that children are very fond of playing with dolls and perceive such representations with particular joy.
Features of performances for the smallest
Of course, children's performances are very different from the "adult" art. Especially performances for the smallest spectators. They are usually short-lived (40-45 minutes), because the kids are full of energy, it is difficult for them to stay in one place for a long time and follow what is happening on the stage.
The performances are usually simple, understandable, filled with emotions, laughter, music, dancing and always have a happy ending. The costumes of the heroes are always bright and colorful, and the heroes themselves have distinct characters: it is immediately clear where the villain is and where is the positive character. Children are happy to perceive funny music, bright colors, funny scenes, completely immersed in the action on the stage. The main thing is that children's performances are fairy tales with the obligatory victory of good over evil and a happy ending. Puppet theaters are the most striking example of such performances.
Interactive "Nurseries": a conversation with the viewer
Children's Puppet Theater "Poteshki" is a creative union of talented directors, artists and actors who always actively communicate with a small audience in their performances. Not only communicate, but also engage in action. Interactivity is a feature of the Poteshki Theater. In addition to artists, artists, directors and choreographers, a full-time child psychologist works in the theater. This is unusual and important, since the actors of the theater want to not only entertain their young viewers, but also help them in the development of emotional intelligence, the ability to see and perceive beauty. In the performances, communication with the viewer is included in each stage of the performance.
Before the performance, the actors play with the children, trying to get to know each other better, so that later on the stage the kids perceive the heroes as good friends. During the performance, children actively communicate with the main characters, prompt them the right actions, warn against dangers, and help to overcome difficult situations. Children, unlike adults, take the world around them literally. And theatrical performance for them is real life, only magical. It is a pleasure to watch how sincerely and directly the kids laugh, wonder, get scared and rejoice at the performance.
Theater actors: people and dolls
The Pesheshki Puppet Theater is led by director Ekaterina Fedotova and artistic director Dmitry Kondratyev. Catherine believes that doing good deeds for children is “a responsible and noble cause.” In addition to working in the theater, Ekaterina Fedotova, an actress by profession, is engaged in the selection of actors in the cinema, professionally organizes and conducts festive events. Dmitry Kondratyev, deputy director and artistic director of the Poteshki puppet theater, is convinced that children need to talk on equal terms and with utmost honesty, only then the child begins to trust the adult.
The theater has young and talented actors, artists, musicians and choreographers. Almost everyone leads an active creative life outside the walls of the Poteshki Theater in Moscow. For example, actress Liana Katamadze participates in projects at the Gogol Center, and musician Alena Dolbik soloists in the groups Ki? Tua! " and Bigudi. No less interesting than human actors are puppet actors. They are vibrant, vibrant, with their own characters and stories. The artists of the Poteshki Theater on Kurskaya are loving and trembling with their creations. They talk about a long and difficult way to create a play doll from concept to result. Therefore, when dolls come to life in the hands of people, a miracle happens.
Mission "Nursery Rhymes" - preparing children for the "adult" art
The Poteshki Theater is not only engaged in the cultural development program of the younger generation, but also prepares children for the perception of dramatic art on a large stage. Theater performances are staged so that in the first performances for the smallest only dolls participate, which the kids perceive naturally and easily. Then, in each subsequent production, one actor is introduced instead of a doll, until the dolls are completely replaced by people. Thus, the theater enters the life of children gradually, starting with a simple fairy tale and play. Classical theater is becoming an integral part of everyday life for children, a moral and emotional reference point. Puppies Theater “Poteshki” (Moscow) considers the preparation of children for the perception of dramatic art as their mission.
Repertoire
The most striking performances of the Theater of Interactive Communication "Poteshki" are designed for viewers of the youngest age. But each performance is distinguished by its own style. For example, the performance based on the fairy tale “Teremok” was put in a popular manner using folklore. “Geese Swans” teach older children obedience and mutual assistance, involving them in a magical stage process. Together with the actors, the kids sing, dance, solve riddles.
The magnificent play “Three Little Pigs” is a fun musical festival for kids. Spectators actively help piglets to hide from the wolf, worry and rejoice with them. The play involves especially bright dolls and scenery. The charming hero of the play "Kitten" can not leave anyone indifferent. This kind fairy tale is designed not only for small viewers, but also for their parents. Other performances can also be seen at the Poteshki puppet theater in Moscow: the cheerful Kolobok, the musical Wolf and the Seven Little Kids, and the adventures of Dobrynya Nikitich and the Gorynych Snake.
Children are special viewers
Children love to go to the theater. They like the festive atmosphere and the miracles that happen there. They perceive the theater as part of reality. Theater for a child is a magical continuation of ordinary life. In childhood, emotions, impressions and feelings are very bright, saturated. And these emotions largely shape the future adult.
At the Poteshki Theater, kids learn how to distinguish bad from good, make friends and help friends, and believe that good always conquers evil in an easy playful way. Children interact with the characters of the performances as real heroes, therefore, unlike adults, they themselves so easily become participants in the performances. Many actors and directors believe that it’s more difficult to stage children's performances, because the kids are a gullible, grateful, but demanding audience. Actors have no right to cheat.
The first performance in a child’s life
A child can come to his first performance just recently born. For example, in the Poteshki theater, performances are designed for babies from the age of one year. Children's performance must necessarily meet certain requirements. Such, for example, is the play "Three Little Pigs." Young children are inherently very energetic, restless, they have not yet learned how to concentrate for a long time.
Therefore, the performance of the play is designed so that the children themselves actively participate in the tale, move, dance and do not lose interest. There are also special techniques for switching children's attention, using bright colors in suits and decorations. Game dolls themselves are made of soft materials, so playing with them is pleasant and safe for children. Cheerful music and soap bubbles at the beginning of the performance add a joyful holiday experience.
Holidays
Interactive Communication Theater "Poteshki" often takes part in charity events, plays performances, the proceeds of which are directed to targeted charity assistance. Of course, the children's theater cannot stay away from the holidays. First of all, these are New Year trees and holiday performances. For example, "Gingerbread Man in Search of the New Year" and "Letter to Santa Claus." However, the festive atmosphere always reigns in the theater. Children before and after the show will have fun face painting, soap bubble shows and a memory photo session with dolls and actors. It should be noted that these entertainment are provided in the theater for free.
Address and ticket prices
Children's interactive theater "Poteshki" operates on two sites. This is the Gaydarovets recreation center on Zemlyanoy Val street, 27, the “Theater Mansion” on library street, 23. The schedule of performances can be found on the theater’s website or contact the administrator by phone. The price of tickets is quite affordable - 500 rubles.
Viewers reviews
Reviews of the Poteshki Theater are always positive, and often simply enthusiastic. Parents say that the children come out after the performances with inspiration, happiness, and for a long time remember and share their impressions of the performance they saw. Parents note a cozy atmosphere, an excellent play of actors and very kind performances. Another important point: actors can communicate with children, hold their attention and interest in what is happening. The time of the performances is calculated very correctly, the children do not get tired and participate in the play until the very end. The knowledge of children's psychology, ability and desire to make a truly interesting performance for children is felt in everything. The main thing is that you feel sincere love for your viewer.