From: Jimsan777-AT-aol.com
Date: Sat, 17 Apr 2004 03:19:53 EDT
Subject: PUPT: #3 from Siberia


April 2, 2004   # 3 dispatch from Urengoy, Siberia, Russia by Jim Gamble

     Aprils Fools Day (yes, they celebrate here too) was my turn to perform 
my marionette variety show for the Festival.   I chose this program because it 
is the easiest to transport by air.   As the only marionette program offered 
at the festival and the only American in the city,   (and probably the only 
American ever to visit here) my appearance was quite notable.   Local TV stations 
and two from Moscow filmed interviews.   Their questions were predictable; 
they wanted to know my interpretations of their festival, how I found their 
city, about doing puppetry in America and in other countries.  They had never seen 
marionettes perform on an open stage, nor string puppets capable of doing 
such tricks.   Despite the dozen or more TV channels, English movies on TV (with 
Russian voice-overs) and sophistication in theater techniques and equipment, 
Urengoy is still an outpost and not on the typical theater circuit.   It was 
fun to share ideas with the other groups, many who use puppets with their 
dramatization of fairy tales for children.   

     The Russian fairy tale program following mine was the only other truly “
puppet show” offered so far.   Their staging covered the entire proscenium of 
the large auditorium. Two playing boards were used along with body puppets 
appearing in front of the puppet staging.   The show was a “Hansel and Gretel” 
type program with many animal rod puppets performing at various levels.   The 
front circular arc curtain was only a meter or so high, requiring the operators 
to crouch very low behind the curtain.   The second level accommodated 
standing puppeteers.   Here were the main characters of Mother, Father and children. 
  Above the second level were tall trees where flying rod puppet birds 
performed.   The variety of playing areas, the very large stage and good sound track 
kept the interest of the mostly young audience.   The white and black painted 
sets emulating birch bark forests, provided stark contrast to the colorful 
rod puppets, which were about 28 inches tall.

     Sightseeing and shopping excursion was offered later afternoon giving us 
an insight to life in Siberia.   There are no supermarkets, the city is still 
considered a frontier, but with the oil riches, excellent cultural facilities 
are provided.   Ilya, my student guide (born in the Ukraine, whose father is 
one of the theater directors) and Tamara (our local handler) provide for our 
every wish.   Everything is scheduled and pre-arranged.   I have an assigned 
private dressing room with lock and key to store a growing supply of gifts, 
puppets and heavy coats.   Fortunately, I have brought along a supply of gifts for 
exchange in return.

     The evening program was a 3rd evening of “supper club” style dining and 
entertainment.    Mercifully, the program lasted not quite as late, as the 
14-hour time difference makes it difficult to stay awake.

Jim Gamble


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