Shadow theater is one of the ancient forms of art. The first representatives of this sphere appeared in ancient Greece more than two thousand years ago. A distinctive feature of this type of art is that the main characters in the productions are lighting equipment and a doll that projects its silhouette onto the screen. Such a magical form of art is presented in our capital within the walls of the Moscow Children's Theater of Shadows. What is he like?
Moscow Children's Shadow Theater
The described theater has a difficult fate and an extensive history. Its origins date back to 1934, when the artist E. Zonnenshtral led a children's circle of graphics in the Moscow Museum of Children's Books. Then she was joined by director S. Svobodina, who took the circle to a new level. Now the shadow theater has toured children's camps and schools, spreading its magic. Unfortunately, during the Great Patriotic War, the Moscow Children's Shadow Theater was destroyed. After the war, the acting troupe did not have a permanent place. But in 1988, the theater got its home in Moscow on Izmailovsky Boulevard.
The stages of development of the Moscow Children's Shadow Theater can be considered the modernization of the dolls themselves. From the 30s to the 50s of the 20th century, the shadow theater worked exclusively with a projection doll, the silhouette of which was projected onto the screen using correctly installed light. Then, from the beginning of the 60s, the acting troupe has been studying the traditions of the Chinese shadow theater, namely the "open-air doll". This means that with the help of theater lighting from above and the unusual design of the doll, it makes it possible to obtain a three-dimensional image. The first positive experience of applying the Chinese methodology was the production of "Come, fairy tale!". The next breakthrough in shadow art was made by the new director E.I. May in 1963. His innovation was that he combined a shadow doll on the screen and a voluminous doll on the screen in the play "Aibolit". This gave more space for the implementation of all artistic ideas.
The address of the Moscow Children's Shadow Theater has not changed since the end of the 20th century - Izmailovsky Boulevard, house 60/10.
Repertoire
The list of performances is relatively small. It includes performances for both the smallest and for teenage children.
The repertoire includes such a production, which is practically absent in other children's theaters. The play "Classics for the smallest. Giselle" was staged for children aged 1+ (duration 35 minutes) to give the little viewer a little magic, after which he will remain in a good mood.
For the 3+ age category, the following productions are suitable: "My phone rang," "Paints. Theater for the smallest."
For the target audience at the age of 5+, the repertoire is quite extensive: "Thumbelina", "How dad and I went to the forest for the Christmas tree", "Little Humpbacked Horse", "Kitten named Woof", "Butter Lisa".
For children aged 6+, the Moscow Children's Shadow Theater has prepared an educational play tour "Where the Shadows Live" and a master class "Evening Tale".
The theater is ready to please the age category 7+ with the supply of Black Chicken, and for the teenagers 12+ the play Sherlock. Continuation has been created.
Troupe
Actors in the shadow theater are not just artists, they are wizards, thanks to which dolls and their shadows come to life. The acting troupe is small, but has all the skills of shadow art at a professional level.
Buying tickets
Purchasing tickets is not difficult. Their purchase can be made both at the box office on Izmailovsky Boulevard, and on the official website of the Moscow Children's Shadow Theater. Buying tickets at the box office is the best option, as you can consult the cashier about the repertoire, which will help you choose the right performance for your own child. As for the official theater, the theater website has a very convenient menu for ordering; it is notable for its ease of use. The theater itself also recommends affiliate ticket sales sites as partners. But do not forget that on such sites there may be an extra charge, be careful.
The minimum ticket price is 400 rubles.
Viewers reviews
Fortunately, there are positive reviews on the Internet. To find the negative opinions about theater productions, you need to try very hard, but you can find.
Spectators are delighted with this type of theatrical art. Shadows have a certain magic, they immerse into the action with the head and help each viewer to create their own picture of the perception of the performance. Bright scenery, professional actors, a combination of amazing acting and musical compositions create the magical world of shadow theater.
Negative reviews of the Moscow Children's Shadow Theater, of course, are present. Basically, they relate to the politics of the theater, namely, that parents cannot wait for their children in the theater lobby, only on the street. Viewers consider this attitude to moms and dads unacceptable.