Performance in Moscow at the Et cetera Theater

18.08.2015

 Premiere of the musical Ask Rutherford, prepared by the participants of the International Creative Project for Children NucKids 2015, took place on August 13 and 14, 2015, at the Et Cetera Theatre in Moscow. The Et Cetera Theater under the direction of Alexander Kalyagin is rightfully considered one of the best theaters in Moscow. Rehearsals continued from the very morning until the beginning of performance. But finally the third bell rang. The hall is full. Young actors are waiting with excitement for the performance to start. When the curtain rises the project idea author Sergey Novikov appears on the stage: – “This year we have a unique numerology. During the year of the Russian nuclear industry 70th anniversary, 70 children from 7 countries are performing a musical about the early years of Igor Kurchatov, the founder of the Nuclear Research Centre and the creator of the atomic bomb. There is not much known about his childhood. But we let ourselves imagined what it could have been like. Igor Kurchatov lived in Crimea, and there were many historical events happening around at that time….”

The idea for the musical came about very naturally, – said Vladimir Karabanov, the production director, – because this year is the 70th anniversary of the nuclear industry. Moreover, today any topics related to the great people who in the past and present, and well into the future will be relevant in our country. Kids should know about such people. For example Igor Kurchatov – the name of this scientist and also his contribution for the country and the nuclear industry became a discovery for many children, even the project participants. And it is necessary to know not only about Kurchatov, but also about many people who have made a special contribution to the development of our country and science. They should be the superheroes of our children”.

The real magic unfolded on the stage during the musical performance, which captivated the audience from the very first note. Production director and scriptwriter Vladimir Karabanov’s beautiful staging, combined with the music by composer Ilya Efimov, Maxim Nedolechko’s choreography, mesmerizing light and effective video projection – all these harmoniously interlaced. A real extravaganza was happening on the stage. Fantastic costumes, make-up, colorful lighting helped creating the atmosphere of the performance. Dynamic choreography, drive, acrobatic feats of young performers, who played better and better each time. More easiness, more professionalism. In the end, loud applause, cheers and lots of flowers. The last two days of performances in Moscow will always be remembered.

These performances drew the final line of the NucKids 2015 Project. There were a lot of tears backstage. Kids were crying because they realized that very soon they would have to say goodbye. And many of them will never meet again. During the project they have become a family. Although everyone secretly hopes that they will get back to the project next year after the selection process.

 The uniqueness of the Nuclear Kids Project is that each musical is created in less than a month. Daily rehearsals, a tight schedule, and full dedication from the creative team and young artists. For the seventh year running, the project participants prove that it is possible to create a real masterpiece in such a short period of time. Thanks to projects like NucKids, children from many remote nuclear cities get an opportunity to make new friends and see new places both within Russia and beyond.