Puppet Theater (Rostov-on-Don), whose address is per. Universitetskiy, 46? - one of the oldest in our country. It is always very comfortable, cozy, an amazing atmosphere of good reigns, and the repertoire contains only the most interesting and instructive stories designed to make the world a better and cleaner.
Theater History
The Rostov State Puppet Theater named after V.S.Bylkov has a long and glorious history. The origins of its creation in the twenties of the last century were a group of puppeteers who began to give performances for the smallest citizens. Among them were such remarkable masters as G. Pidko, M. Kushnarenko, S. Isaev, L. Chubkov, S. Ulybashev, A. Derkach, and others. Their performances were so fascinating, interesting for the kids and really talented that the city committee of the Komsomol decided to create a puppet theater.
He received his first spectators in 1935. At different times, the Rostov State Puppet Theater was led by many well-known directors: Stanislavsky’s pupil, Boris Sakhnovsky, and V. E. Meyerhold’s pupil, Leonid Stelmakhovich. The artistic management of the theater for 35 years was headed by a talented student of S.V. Obraztsov - Vladimir Sergeyevich Bylkov
V. S. Bylkov
Vladimir Sergeevich Bylkov headed the city puppet theater (Rostov-on-Don) in 1968. Prior to that, he was the main director of the children's theater in Vladikavkaz. When Vladimir Sergeyevich took part in the puppeteers festival in Volgograd, he was attracted by the former director of the Rostov Puppet Theater. Bylkov amazed him with talent and was invited to the troupe, at first for one performance, but then he was persuaded to stay on a permanent basis.
The pupil of Sergei Obraztsov himself, Vladimir Sergeyevich, made a sensation already with his first works. During his service in the theater, a wonderful master staged over one hundred and fifty performances. Critics noted that in his works he spoke in an adult way with his small spectators about the soul and ideals, values and the Motherland. All the performances of Bylkov were highly moral. On these productions, several generations of Rostov spectators have grown up, who have learned love and compassion, honesty and kindness, loyalty and friendship.
The works of V. S. Bylkov were awarded with diplomas, medals, diplomas. In 1992, he was awarded the title "People's Artist of the Russian Federation."
New Artistic Director
Today the puppet theater (Rostov-on-Don) is headed by the son of the famous director - A.V. Bylkov-Krat. After graduating from Rostov University in 1991, he joined the theater as stage workers. Two years later, externally passed the exams at the theater school and received the profession of director.
The son of a magnificent master, whose name is the oldest Puppet Theater (Rostov), Andrei Vladimirovich is no less talented than Vladimir Sergeyevich. Over the years of work in the theater, he has already staged over thirty performances. Many of his productions have been awarded prizes. The post of chief director Bylkov Jr. took in 2003. Colleagues consider him a workaholic. His work is helped by his organizational skills, great skill and hard work. He devotes much time to the formation of his creative team.
Since 1999 A.V. Bylkov teaches stage speech, the skill of a puppeteer and the history of puppet theater at the city art school. On his initiative, the Museum of Playing Puppets began its work at the theater. Everyone can visit it at intermission or before the start of the performance. A few years ago A. Bylkova-Krata was invited to the International Union of Puppeteers, which is based in France.
Troupe
Puppet Theater (Rostov) is a very small team. Not many artists work here, but they are all professionals of the highest level.
Leading artists of the theater:
- Marina Trudkova.
- Elena Klimenko.
- Svetlana Mityushina.
- Mikhail Alexandrov.
- Galina Keklikova.
- Mikhail Haramanov.
- Elena Gracheva.
Many actors of the theater were awarded thanks, have diplomas from the city administration, the Ministry of Culture and even the President of Russia.
Repertoire
The Rostov State Puppet Theater, whose address is well known both to young admirers of theatrical art and their parents (Universitetsky, 46), has in its repertoire performances for very young viewers (0+) and for older kids (4+).
Every weekday (except Mondays) a small theater stage opens its doors. In a very cozy and spacious room there is a colorful scene. The performances here do not last long, but they are all capacious, informative and very bright.
On weekends, older children can attend performances on the big stage. The main principle of the troupe is simplicity and accessibility. Actors manage to reach the hearts of young viewers, instill in them a love of art, various doll systems, lighting and musical design, special effects - all this makes fairy tales lively and joyful.
The Puppet Theater (Rostov-on-Don) fruitfully collaborates with many guest directors, famous composers and writers. The troupe's plans include productions for an adult audience: Faust, Romeo and Juliet. And kids today can see the following performances:
- Pinocchio.
- "Flint".
- "Puss in Boots".
- "The Legend of the Quiet Don".
- The Magic Spikelet.
- "Dr. Aibolit".
- "Fly Tsokotukha".
- "Damn well done."
- "Nutcracker".
- "The Scarlet Flower".
- "Foal".
- "The birthday of the cat Leopold."
- “As far as it comes, so it will respond” and others.
Tickets cost from 200 to 400 rubles, depending on how close the place is to the stage.
Theatrical lounge
Every weekend, artists introduce their guests to the theater. They learn to distinguish dolls and create their own, tell the story of the country's oldest theater, with the help of simple fun exercises, develop the speech of the kids, introduce them to the biographies of great composers and their works.
Tour
Puppet Theater (Rostov) is actively touring. He takes out his productions to the cities of Russia, as well as to the near and far abroad. Today the troupe has visited Chisinau and San Remo, Kharkov and Elista, Monte Carlo and Cannes, Stavropol and Helsinki, Monaco and Strasbourg, Edinburgh and Frankfurt am Main and many other cities of the world.
Everywhere where the Puppet Theater (Rostov) performs, performances are sold out. Already three times the theater has visited with creative reports in the capital of our country, where it has been praised by theater critics, the public, and the warm welcome of young and adult audiences. At one time, even the “patriarch” of Russian puppeteers, S. V. Obraztsov, praised the original work of the unique theater troupe.
Theater Problems
The modern theater building was built in the sixties of the last century on the site of the destroyed Greek Annunciation Church, which has been located here since 1909. In the thirties of the XX century, it was converted into a children's technical station. The building of the puppet theater was erected on the old foundation of the church, the church walls, preserved during demolition, were partially used.
In early 2000, the idea was first voiced of the eviction of the puppet theater from his building. She was motivated by the fact that the building of the theater is located on the site of a former church. The city authorities met and provided a place for the construction of a new church, nearby, not far from the public library. However, after some time, the diocese again appealed to the Ministry of Property Relations of the region. In this appeal, a reference was made to the law “On the return of church lands”, and another demand was put forward to return the building.
In May 2014, at the initiative of the Peasant Publishing House, a collection of signatures of opponents of such a decision was organized. His goal was to prevent the eviction of the puppet theater from the building. In March 2016, the deputy governor of the region S. Bondarev officially announced that the building of the puppet theater would be transferred to the Russian Orthodox Church. The theater is to move to a building located on Krasnoarmeyskaya Street until the end of October 2019.
I must say that this decision was met with chagrin by numerous spectators and admirers of the creativity of this oldest theater. An initiative group consisting of active social activists believes that the struggle is not over. They are sure that they will be able to protect their favorite theater from eviction.
Reviews
According to the Rostovites and guests of the city, the Puppet Theater is a unique place created for the development and upbringing of children. Talented and caring people who love their profession and small spectators for the sake of whom they work create magnificent performances. The vast majority of parents who were once spectators themselves claim that a special atmosphere of goodness, a fairy tale, is created here that distinguishes this theater from other children's institutions in the city.