Project
“The Tale of the Bogatyr and the Dark Bird”
Category
Best Implemented Theatre Set Design
About the project (provided by the applicant)
“The Tale of the Bogatyr and the Dark Bird” is a story based on a Khanty folk tale about the formation of a hero — a journey between worlds, about love and hatred, good and evil.
The scenography is based on mythological images.
The “World Tree” symbolizes life and the connection between worlds (the crown – the Upper World of the god Torum, the trunk – the Middle World of humans, the roots – the Lower World of the dead) and the reincarnation of the human soul. The Tree is the central element in the tale, living together with the hero. Rising and falling, expanding and contracting, it transports him to different worlds, enlivens the hero, and “blooms,” announcing spring.
The Chum represents the Middle World, where humans and animals live. Lightweight movable screens around the circular stage serve as Chums in Khanty settlements, mountain landscapes, or a large sacrificial fire. They alternately conceal and reveal the characters’ silhouettes.
The Narts are sacred transport between worlds. In the finale, the hero rides them back to his homeland.
The aerial scenery “breathes” along with the development of the plot.
Location
14a Mira Street, Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia
Project implementation year
2025
Extra visual materials
https://disk.yandex.ru/d/eWQnGc8AjTGprA
https://disk.yandex.ru/d/6QbTeLrmD9p6Qg
https://disk.yandex.ru/d/CtMN9-yuvb278g
Applicant
Natalya Kuznetsova
Natalya Kuznetsova, a theatre designer, has produced over 70 performances as a set designer and more than 100 as a lighting designer. In 2017 she graduated from RGISI, St. Petersburg, Faculty of Scenography and Theatre Technology, specializing as a lighting designer (mentors V. Lukasevich, E. Ganzburg). In 2002 she graduated from Udmurt State University, Faculty of Design, specializing in costume design. She is the chief designer of the Chamber Drama Theatre “Levendal” in St. Petersburg and a nominee for the Golden Sofit Award.
Authors of the project
Playwright/Director: Natalya Serebrova
Set Designer: Natalya Kuznetsova
Composer: Artem Aretov
Artistic Director and Movement Teacher: Iskander Sakaev
Photo
Zhanna Turesheva, Natalya Kuznetsova
Customer
State Budgetary Institution “Theatre of Ob-Ugric Peoples — Solntse”
Status of the project
Implemented
