Kirov Puppet Theater. Afanasyeva is one of the oldest and most famous theaters in Russia. In June 1935, his creative team was formed, focused on the children's audience. The Afanasyev Theater began to actively perform serious tasks in the development of the culture of the city and the region. It has a museum that stores information about the first artists, such as G.N. Osokina, A.P. Kubertskaya, T.I. Nikolskaya, A.N. Kudryavtseva. There are also photos of past performances, small newspaper articles about the appearance of the puppet theater.
Attempt at writing
The first performance, staged by puppeteers, was far from perfect. It was a new experience of an unknown art form. In this regard, it was decided to open special courses in the theater building, where they taught the acting skills of future puppeteers.
In the fall, the acting troupe declared itself as a professional and self-sufficient team. Confidence puppeteers instilled an experienced director Sergei Voronetsky. Under his leadership, the Afanasyev Puppet Theater staged the performances “Fisherman Bear”, “Martha the Pilot” and “Balda”, which the young spectators liked.
After these premieres, the cultural institution acquires the status of an independent theater. This unique temple of Melpomene continues to delight with high-quality productions of its audience, now not only young but also of adult age. Two years later, in 1939, a new performance was staged - “Trivial Affairs” based on the comedy of G. Gradov.
War years
During the Great Patriotic War Sergey Voronetsky dies. The new director of the theater was the famous actor and brilliant director Anatoly Afanasyev. Subsequently, in 2009, the theater was named in his honor.
During the war, the Afanasyev Theater continued its activities, despite the fact that many actors went to the front, state support was withdrawn, and the only transport was requisitioned for the needs of war veterans. Artists on the way traveled with their productions throughout the region. They showed old performances, staged new ones, thereby supporting the fighting spirit and patriotism of the front-line soldiers, the military and the population. Actors staged performances of an agitational nature, and also performed with concert programs in hospitals, recruiting centers, in cultural centers and military units throughout the region.
At this time, the Bolshoi Drama Theater, together with Eugene Schwartz, a brilliant playwright and director, offered a creative reunion to the Afanasyev Theater. After a year of collaboration with Schwartz, A. Afanasyev staged a new production based on his play - the play “Little Red Riding Hood”.
First own room
In the post-war period, the Afanasyev Theater received the premises, which became his first own possession. This was a solemn event for every puppeteer. This building had a large auditorium, a spacious hall and, most importantly, doll workshops.
The success of performances for adult viewers
A year later, the performance "Devil's Mill", staged by Afanasyev on the comedy of I. Stock, brought stunning success. Inspired actors of the theater continue to stage plays designed for adult audiences, such as Divine Comedy, Shelter, Sylvester's Treasure, Adorable Galatea, All in an Adult, Up to the Third Cocks and many others.
For 25 years, the Kirov Afanasyev Theater was closely associated with the name of the professor of the Leningrad Theater Institute, honored cultural figure M. M. Korolev. His students also collaborated with the theater, among them N. Borovikov, I. Ignatiev, I. Mer.
At this time, the place of the leader was occupied by Vadim Anatolyevich Afanasyev, son of Anatoly Afanasyev. His ingenious acting and unique productions were deservedly appreciated by the public and critics.
“A house where fairy tales light up”
In 1996, a significant event took place in the life of the puppet theater. So, at this time, memoirs of the 1950s of the Kirov puppeteer were published. In the same year, an interesting book was published entitled "The House Where Lights Turn Tales On." It tells about puppeteers who were at the origins of the founding of the theater, about those who for two decades created a real fairy tale in the world of dolls. The Afanasyev Theater today is famous for the successful productions of its repertoire.
Since 2008, there have been changes in the composition of the theater management. Artistic director at that time was V. G. Pyregov, and the main director of the theater was Yu. A. Evdokimov. In 2013, Vasily Pyregov was succeeded by Viktor Bazhenov.
Own building
In 2009, a joyful and long-awaited event took place in the history of the theater: the construction of the theater’s own building was completed. To date , the theater has two auditoriums, a modern stage with the latest lighting and sound equipment, production workshops.
In 2010, the Kirov Puppet Theater turned 75 years old. It was a real celebration for both the leaders and the cast, and for the viewer. For 75 years, the theater delighted both children and adults with its characters, impeccable play and talent.
Mobile theater
An international theater project began in 2011. It was a moving Ark puppet festival, which staged ten theaters from cities in Russia and around the world. His performances were also held on the stage of the Kirov Puppet Theater.
The repertoire for the adult population was expanding more and more actively, in connection with this a unique production of “Chamber No. 9” was created based on the play by Anton Chekhov. This work surprised and delighted not only the audience, but also modern critics. In 2012, the production was nominated for the Golden Mask Award, which is the highest award for acting.
The Kirov Puppet Theater has in its repertoire about 40 different performances, which were staged based on the works of domestic and foreign playwrights. The performances are designed for both the adult and the smallest viewer. The Puppet Museum and the theater’s winter garden impress with puppet shows made in different years, and with its expositions that convey a vivid and rich history of the development of the creative collective of puppeteers.
By the way, it is worth knowing that the theater of Sergei Afanasyev has nothing to do with the described cultural institution. People who are far from the art of Melpomene, focusing on the name of the leader, think that this is the same theater. But this is not at all true. The name of Sergey Afanasyev is called the Novosibirsk City Drama Theater.