A wartime theatre for children that grew into one of Russia’s most admired puppet stages, still built entirely around fantasy, folk music and gentle storytelling.
At a glance
Known locally as the “Fairy Tale Theater,” this Saint Petersburg institution stages puppet performances for all ages, though its playful designs and light subject matter make it a particular favourite with children and families. Its repertoire now runs to more than thirty productions, drawing on Russian, European and American tales alike.
History
The theatre gave its first performance on 31 December 1944, while Leningrad was still living through the hardship of the Second World War. It was conceived as a small mercy: a way to give the city’s children a few hours free of fear. In the early 1970s, Creative Director Yuri Eliseev brought in designer Nelly Polyakova and director-playwright Nikolai Borovkov, both later honoured as distinguished workers of Russian arts. Their collaboration shaped the visual and dramatic identity the theatre still carries. Today the company employs twenty actors, led by principals Emilia Kulikova and Valentin Morozov, and tours widely across Europe, with appearances in the United States as well.
What you see
Visitors encounter a stage built for imagination rather than realism. Puppets stand in for princes, witches, talking animals and wayward dragons. Composer Boris Kravchenko scored many productions in the plain, singable idiom of Russian folk song, giving performances a warm, familiar sound. The current repertoire spans 33 titles, from “Aladdin and the Magic Lamp” and “The Wizard of Oz” to “The Snow Queen” and “Little Longnose.” Nothing here is heavy or harsh. The tone stays light throughout.
Cultural significance
Few theatres carry such a direct link between origin and purpose. Born to comfort children during a siege, the company still measures its success by wonder rather than spectacle. It is widely regarded as among the finest puppet theatres in Russia. Since 2017, its “Theater Time” programme has extended that mission into schools, introducing pupils from primary grades through grade 11 to the craft of puppetry itself. The theatre teaches as much as it entertains.
Key facts
- First performance: 31 December 1944
- Location: Saint Petersburg, Russia
- Key figures: Yuri Eliseev, Nelly Polyakova, Nikolai Borovkov (1970s creative team)
- Current repertoire: 33 fairy-tale productions
- Company: 20 actors, led by Emilia Kulikova and Valentin Morozov
- Educational programme: “Theater Time,” launched 2017
Practical information & getting there
The theatre is located in Saint Petersburg, at coordinates 59.8876, 30.3187. As with most city-centre venues, public transport and taxis offer the most convenient approach; check current performance schedules before travelling, since the repertoire rotates among its many titles. Productions are aimed at families, so arriving with children in mind suits the atmosphere best.
Sources & resources
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