The year of 2011 was a jubilee year for Omsk state puppet, actor and mask theatre “Arlekin”. It has celebrated its 75th anniversary. Nowadays it is one of the leading repertory puppet theatres of Russia, which was established in 1936. Since 1966 it is a joint member of UNIMA (Union Internationale de la Marionnette).
Repertoire policy of the company is formed basing on the works of native and foreign world-known authors like H.- Chr. Andersen, P. Bazhov, B. Brecht, C.Collody, V. Gauf, N.V. Gogol, S. Marshak, J-B. Molière, W. Shakespeare and others. Puppets of various systems such as glove puppets, rod puppets and marionettes are used in the performances of “Arlekin”. Many works are experimental. At present there are over 40 titles in the repertoire including productions for children (starting from 2 year and up) and for adults.
Today there are 24 actors in the theatre company. They are led by a Chief Stage Director - Honoured art worker of Russia Boris Salamchev. Chief Stage Designer of the theatre is an Honoured artist of Russia Olga Veryovkina, who holds the title of a laureate of National theatre Award “Golden Mask”. “Arlekin” theatre which employs over 200 staff members is headed by the theatre Producer – Honoured cultural worker of Russia Stanislav Dubkov.
Since 2005 “Arlekin” the company has been located in the building especially constructed for the theatre by Omsk region Government. Total area of the new theatre is 7 000 square metres. Theatre has three audience halls: Big Hall (250 seats), Small Hall (150 seats), Hall for the little ones (50 seats), winter garden, theatre museum, refreshment bar. The backstage infrastructure includes make-up and rehearsal rooms, video and audio recording studios, rooms for production department, mini-printing office and many others. All scenery, puppets and costumes are made in the theatre production department.
In 2007 a long time dream was fulfilled in the theatre - a special Hall for the little ones was created to give performances for children aged from 2 to 4. Omsk puppet theatre was the first one among Russian puppeteers to propose and work with that age group.
Another feature of our theatre we are very proud of is a unique “Arlekin” theatre museum, which is situated on four floors. It was opened for visitors in 2006. Its exposition tells about the history and achievements of our theatre. Unique puppets, costumes, sketches and old playbills are exhibited in the showcases. Among awards one can see those brought from various international festivals.
According to the declaration of representatives of the international theatre community Omsk “Arlekin” has one of the best buildings for a puppet theatre in the world which has no analogues.
Significant place in the theatre’s creative work is taken by “Arlekin” company touring activity and participation in various festivals and forums. Theatre productions were successfully presented in Belorussia, Bulgaria, China, Czech Republic, Finland, Israel, Italy, Poland and Serbia. Several times Omsk state puppet, actor and mask theatre, its performers, directors and artists became laureates of Regional, All-Russia and International festivals. Among our most outstanding awards are Grand-prix of International theatre festivals in Belorussia and China. The theatre was twice awarded the highest National theatre Award “Golden Mask” for the performance “Tale about tsar Herod or a nativity scenes narrator”.
“Arlekin” theatre company constantly carries out numerous creative projects. In particular we give high importance to leading charity work in the theatre. Major part of our activity is also occupied with organizing and holding International festival of puppet theatres “Visiting “Arlekin”. It is approved to be one of the present day largest puppet theatre festivals. The Festival is supported by the Government of Omsk region and is held regularly every two years.
Main concept of the festival can be defined as boundless puppet theatre. Distinctive feature of Omsk festival is its globalism and broad geographic coverage. This characteristic was given by Henryck Yurkovskiy (Poland) - Head of the Jury of I festival “Visiting “Arlekin”. Right logistics of Omsk festival was stated as one of its strengths. This means that agenda included witnessing of each other performances, holding meetings and presentations, offering a vast excursion programme.
For additional information about Omsk puppet theatre and its projects you are welcome to see English section on “Arlekin” web page at www.arlekin-omsk.ru.
Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us at festivalOmsk@gmail.com, arlekin.reklama@gmail.com.
