The shadow theater arose in ancient China. The performers in it are not actors or dolls, but their shadows. It is very important that on a white screen illuminated by a powerful spotlight, the silhouette look clearly and expressively. This type of art is gaining more and more fans. In Moscow, with its unusual productions, the Shadow Theater on Izmailovsky pleases children and their parents.
Theater History
The Moscow Children's Shadow Theater was founded in 1944 by the artist Ekaterina Zonnenshtral and the director Sofia Svobodina. Until the end of the 50s, only projection dolls were used in the theater, which give a clear black silhouette on the screen. For the repertoire were selected works of both Russian and foreign classics.
Over the first two decades of its existence, the theater’s creative team has staged nearly 50 performances. Being mobile, the theater performed a lot in schools, houses of pioneers, pioneer camps, as well as in various organizations, delighting both children and adults with its performances.
In 1957, the theater became a graduate of the first All-Union Puppet Theater Festival, where he presented the performance “Ashik-Kerib” according to Lermontov, and in 1958 he was awarded the Silver Medal at the World Exhibition in Brussels.
In the late 50s, the theater began to apply in its works the techniques of the traditional Chinese tetra of shadows - the theater "puppets in the light." Since that time, the technology of both Chinese theater and projection has become the basis of the stage practice of the Moscow Shadow Theater. And the first performance using the techniques inherent in the Chinese theater was the play “Come, Fairy Tale”.
An important event in the history of the theater was the receipt in 1988 of its own premises on Izmailovsky Boulevard. In 1989, the Shadow Theater on Izmailovsky left the Moscow Concert. Since that time, he became an independent creative unit.
Moscow Children's Shadow Theater on Izmailovsky. Repertoire
The repertoire of the theater has many wonderful performances. These are mainly productions for children. Some of the most striking can be noted:
- “Alice for Children” - directed by Y. Fridman. It is based on Carroll’s book “Alice in Wonderland”.
- Cinderella is directed by S. Zhelezkin. It is based on the tale of the same name by Charles Perrault.
- "Black Chicken" - directed by N. Borovskov. Staged according to the tale of Pogorelsky.
The creative team pleases young viewers with such tales as "Thumbelina", "The Nutcracker", "Dwarf Nose", and many others.
The theater does not forget about adult spectators. The performances “The Last Day of Casanova” based on the play “Phoenix” by Marina Tsvetaeva, as well as “Viy” based on the novel by Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol of the same name dedicated to the 200th anniversary of the writer, were staged for them.
Children's studio
The Shadow Theater on Izmailovsky not only puts on performances for children, but also introduces them to their professional secrets. For them, the theater operates a children's theater studio "Tenevichok." Here, children are not only taught the ability to make shadow puppets, but they are also given the opportunity to try their hand as actors. A special lesson program has been developed for young fans of the shadow theater, which includes:
- acting skills;
- scenic speech;
- the art of managing various types of dolls (puppeteering);
- doll manufacturing technology;
- familiarization with various theatrical professions, with the backstage life of the theater;
- conducting excursions to other theaters of the city.
Children's Theater Studio is divided into two groups:
- the eldest - children 10-14 years old (15 people) - classes are taught by Viktor Skryabin;
- the youngest - children 7-9 years old (15 people) - classes are conducted by Irina Nokhrina.
Leaders are artists of the Moscow Shadow Theater. Both are professional educators.
Performances about Sherlock Holmes
The Shadow Theater on Izmailovsky Boulevard staged several performances based on the stories of Arthur Conan Doyle about the famous detective Sherlock Holmes and his friend Dr. Watson. The shadow theater first appealed to this author, although it is here that there are unique opportunities to convey the mysterious atmosphere of an English detective.
- “The Hound of the Baskervilles” - staged by Svetlana Dorozhko. The main character is a dog. Here she is not at all angry, but even very friendly. She doesn't like living in the swamps at all. The images of the detective and his friend are more parody, they are shown in two techniques - in the form of glove dolls and in a living plan.
- The little-known short story “Vampire from Sussex” is a production of Cyril Levshin. Mystical superstitions are exposed here, Sherlock Holmes explains to Watson that the usual calculation is behind all the riddles. The performance combines the techniques of a shadow theater - using Russian and Spanish shadows, a puppet - glove and tablet dolls, and a dramatic - live play of actors.
Shadow Theater on Izmailovsky: reviews
The unique Shadow Theater in Moscow receives many wonderful reviews from its fans. It is considered positive that the theater has many performances for preschoolers. The stage is small, very beautifully decorated, the hall is cozy, the stage is clearly visible.
Parents are pleased that the organizers took care of the comfort of the young audience: the seats are comfortable, the children are provided with a transformation of the chair, as a result of which it becomes higher, there is a footrest. How to deal with its design, always tell the theater staff.
For many, a positive aspect is the presence of a buffet in the theater, where children can buy a sandwich or a bun at an affordable price.
True, there are comments. For example, in the play "Thumbelina" there is more live play of the actors, there are few shadows. And children like it when there are more shadows.
Adults did not like one of the innovations: before, parents were expecting children from a performance in the theater lobby, but now they are forced to go out.
Fans advise you to buy tickets in advance at the Shadow Theater on Izmailovsky, otherwise you can not get to your favorite performance. Although this once again speaks of the popularity of the theater.