Saved magic of Yamal: a children’s performance about friendship and northern magic was staged at the National Centre RUSSIA
On 20 December, young guests of the National Centre RUSSIA learned the story of the kind and sensitive wizard Sook Irey — an ice dragon who takes on human form with the onset of cold weather. The vivid theatrical performance based on legends of the Republic of Tuva became part of the "Winter Wizards" festival programme, which introduces audiences to regional New Year traditions and the key figures of winter magic across different parts of the country.
The performance opened with troubling news: Kudesnik (Sorcerer), the keeper of winter miracles, learned that the wizard Sook Irey would not be coming. Young residents of the Republic of Tuva — sisters Ailuna and Amyrga — sadly explained that the main hero of the fairy-tale winter had decided to retreat forever into his icy cave. The reason was heartbreaking: people had stopped believing in him.
With the help of the Firebird’s magical feather, the audience, together with Kudesnik, plunged into the sisters’ memories. They saw how the wise grandmother Sailyk first told her granddaughters about Sook Irey and taught them to leave treats for the wizard at the doorstep as a sign of hospitality. The children then witnessed the rude behaviour of a pair of tourists who refused to see a miracle in an ordinary person and demanded that he breathe fire for a spectacular photograph as proof.
"Only fools argue and demand proof. Are they really the only people on earth who do not believe in me? No one believes in me anymore. Only you, your little sister and your grandmother Sailyk remain. I have become a laughing stock: I look neither like a dragon nor like a human. I am so sad. I think it is better not to show myself to people, to retreat into my cave and stop being a wizard. Farewell, Amyrga, Ailuna. I am very grateful to you — your hearts are so kind — but I am not sure we will ever meet again," Sook Irey explained to the sisters.
However, the young spectators would not allow the wizard to disappear forever. Together with Kudesnik, they wrote a collective letter of support, specially learned Tuvan words of greeting and gratitude, and guided the "flight" of the envelope across an imaginary sky. Their sincere faith worked a miracle: Sook Irey appeared on stage.
"Did you really wait for me? Do you truly believe in me?" he asked with hope and disbelief. Instead of an answer, the children welcomed the winter wizard with a traditional greeting dance, which even the remorseful tourists joined.
The final lesson for everyone was a simple truth that the wizard asked to be passed on: "Your strength always lives in your good deeds, in your friends’ smiles and in warm memories. And it does not matter who is beside you — a dragon, a wizard or a human. What matters is believing in them."
The "Winter Wizards" festival is held by the National Centre RUSSIA with the support of the Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives. Theatrical performances for Muscovites and visitors to the capital will continue until the end of December. On 21 December, guests of the National Centre RUSSIA will see a stage production based on the legend of Ded Moroz from the Vologda region. Further performances will take place according to the following schedule:
— 27 December — Theatrical production based on the legend of Tol Babay from the Udmurt Republic;
— 27 December — Theatrical production based on the legend of Ded Moroz from the Ryazan region;
— 28 December — Theatrical production based on the legend of Kysh Babay from the Republic of Tatarstan.
Event photobank
The II Catherine Forum, dedicated to the integration of foreign nationals, the role of Russia in preserving traditional spiritual and moral values, and the historical legacy of Catherine II.
The event was held on 20 December at the National Centre RUSSIA as part of the II Catherine Forum.
Russia is a great country and a guardian of traditional family values.
