Brazilian spectators get acquainted with Russian culture through the Sergey Obraztsov Puppet Theatre's performances

Two performances – "The Snowman" and "The Thread Circus" - were shown in Sao Paulo and other cities in Brazil. Both productions are mono-performances created by winners of the Golden Mask National Theatre Award.

Boris Konstantinov, Principal Director of the Central State Academic Puppet Theatre named after Sergey Obraztsov, told TV BRICS in an exclusive comment about the importance of the tour for cultural ties between Russia and Brazil.

"Thanks to the tour of the 'Russian Seasons', we – both Russia and Brazil – have the opportunity to demonstrate interest and friendliness, respect and understanding, and these are necessary conditions in any relationship, both interpersonal and international. Cooperation makes our countries more resistant to external influences. We were able to share the art of Obraztsov Theatre, Brazil – the openness and cordiality of the audience"

Boris Konstantinov Principal Director of the Central State Academic Puppet Theatre named after Sergey Obraztsov

"The Snowman" is a romantic, kind, and touching story based on Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale about how the Snowman fell in love with an oven and what came out of it, staged by Boris Konstantinov. The show was performed in two casts: with Honoured Artists of Russia Dmitry Chernov and Andrey Nechaev.

The puppet show "The Thread Circus" by the theatre's chief artist, Viktor Antonov, is a virtuoso fireworks display of unique numbers and puppets created by the author-performer. A funny clown and his raven girlfriend sing romances; a fakir swallows a sword; and acrobatic monkeys build a pyramid. Each puppet here has more than one extraordinary trick up his sleeve, invented by the Master.

Boris Konstantinov emphasised that Brazilians are grateful spectators and do not shy away from expressing emotions.

“To say that the reception was warm is to say nothing. Hugs, applause, and the desire to touch the mystery – this flow of love accompanied us in every city. If 'The Snowman' causes tears of empathy with its touching story (and the performance is based on a fairy tale by Andersen, the saddest and most sentimental storyteller of all times and peoples), then everyone cried and rejoiced: children, adults, men, and women. If an artist suddenly said a phrase in Portuguese, it caused such a sigh of delight that you had to pause to continue the performance,” he said.

The director pointed out that this repertoire was not chosen for the "Russian Seasons" in Brazil by chance. "The Snowman" emphasises the identity of “winter” countries, where it is not necessary to explain what a cooker and a poker are. In winter, children sculpt snowmen out of snow, go sledging, and adults stoke cookers to warm their dwellings.

"It's such a flavour. We surprised Brazil with this, showing that you have such a winter and we have a different one, like in Andersen's fairy tale. On the contrary, the play "The Thread Circus" is international. It is understandable without words, and there are no words. There is only the virtuoso art of marionettes and the boundless charm of the author's smile – Victor Antonov, who created the performance – the idea, the tricks, the images of puppets, absolutely all the magic," Boris Konstantinov explained.

From June 15 to December 2, 2024, "Russian Seasons" will take place in Brazil (Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Joinvili, and other cities). TV BRICS is the project's international media partner. The events include performances of Russian musical groups, famous singers, master classes of the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet, the Russian Film Week, lectures and master classes of the Russian Institute of Theatre Arts (GITIS), and other events.

Photo: the press service of the "Russian Seasons" project