A special vibe has settled into the Mogilev Regional Puppet Theater since the start of December. Behind the scenes, new costumes, like wizards’ cloaks and sparkling gowns for the Snow Maiden and her companions, are being made. The workshops hum with focused activity: some craft delicate puppets, others paint and build elaborate scenery, while technicians assemble robust stage structures. On the main stage, actors are deep in rehearsal, moving beyond mere line recitation to fully embody their characters, refining each gesture and vocal nuance.
This meticulous preparation culminates on 16 December with the New Year’s premiere of About Emelya and the Magic Pike. Far from a conventional retelling, this production is a musical narrative infused with contemporary playwriting. It reimagines Emelya not as a foolish idler, but as a dreamer whose inherent kindness persists through the most comical mishaps. The magical Pike, in turn, becomes more than a wish-fulfiller, as she embodies the faith that an earnest heart can shape the world.
