Moscow Puppet Theatre, puppet theatre in Moscow, Russia

Moscow Puppet Theatre, founded in 1929 by director Viktor Shvemberger, occupies a mansion built in 1868 on Petrovskiye Linii. Its stages host productions ranging from antique marionettes to large frame puppets, with musical shows accompanied by a live orchestra. The repertoire also includes "performances with closed eyes," staged in complete darkness and built on sounds, smells and tactile sensations.

Founded in 1929 within the State Publishing House (Gosizdat) by director Viktor Shvemberger, the theatre opened on 8 February 1930 with the play "The Hedgehog, Petrushka and Two Monkeys". It was named after Gosizdat head Artemy Khalatov, and in 1930 it became the First Puppet Theatre of Moscow, moving into an 1868 mansion on Petrovskiye Linii. Shvemberger left in 1933 and was replaced by Sergei Rozanov; in 1937 the theatre was renamed and Nikolai Savin became chief director.

The theatre grew out of the 1929 State Publishing House project to promote children's literature; its first show, "The Hedgehog, Petrushka and Two Monkeys", was staged on 8 February 1930. Its hero Petrushka appeared as a traveller rather than the traditional vagabond. The theatre is the base venue of the Moscow International Festival of Puppet Theatres.

The theatre occupies a mansion built in 1868 on Petrovskiye Linii, in the Tverskoy district; the troupe moved there on 30 September 1930. Some productions are "performances with closed eyes", staged in complete darkness and built on sounds, smells and touch, so blind spectators can follow them. Look for the building's 19th-century facade before entering.

The theatre is the base venue of the Moscow International Festival of Puppet Theatres. Its repertoire includes "performances with closed eyes": the action unfolds in complete darkness and relies on sounds, smells and touch, making the show accessible to blind spectators.