Abstract

Our theatre, Vagrant Booth, ¹ has been studying traditional Russian puppet theatre for over 20 years. We focus on exploring traditional culture as it relates to today. We do not seek simply to insert traditional elements into contemporary theatre but rather to determine how traditional theatre can fully exist in the context of today’s world. From this perspective, the Petrushka theatre is an ideal model for us. Our more than a decade of experience performing Petrushka shows before a variety of audiences – at universities, before children, in political clubs, before crowds on the streets of Moscow, London, Boston, etc. – has convinced us that the ancient Petrushka theatre is modern, relevant, and vibrant for contemporary audiences.