YakshamAtya from Mordovia taught young visitors to the National Centre RUSSIA to believe in magic

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On 14 December, the National Centre RUSSIA presented the legend of the winter wizard from the Republic of Mordovia — YakshamAtya, the wise and kind guardian of cold and human hearts. The venue continues its series of performances as part of the "Winter Wizards" festival. The festival is held with the support of the Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives (PFCI).

"Winter Wizards" is a festival that brings together fairy tale characters and legends of the peoples of Russia. Young visitors to the National Centre RUSSIA and the "Book of Fairy Tales" exposition enjoyed an interactive performance featuring the Sorcerer — keeper of winter wonders, YakshamAtya, a boy named Arsyat, and the Ice Shards — the wizard's faithful helpers. Their story is built around the idea of inner transformation, responsibility for one's actions, and belief in New Year magic.

In the story, YakshamAtya helps the lost and mischievous boy Arsyat recognise his mistakes and find his way to kindness. Through trials, encounters with magical helpers, and his own experiences, the hero journeys from troublemaking to repentance and change.

"My favourite kind of magic is when closed hearts unexpectedly open, when someone becomes kinder, more attentive, more compassionate," said YakshamAtya, sharing the secret of true winter magic.

Addressing the audience, the winter wizard from the Republic of Mordovia reminded them that belief in fairy tales and dreams is directly linked to how willing people are to let magic into their lives: "With each passing day, people believe in magic less and less and hardly dream at all. And without that, even the simplest miracle becomes impossible."

During the performance, young viewers joined the characters on winding paths through an enchanted forest, took part in games, and became part of the fairy tale action. At the end of the story, Arsyat asked the Ice Shards for forgiveness and was given a chance to start anew, while YakshamAtya reminded everyone that the New Year is not only a time of wonders but also a time for change.

As part of the "Winter Wizards" festival at the National Centre RUSSIA, next Saturday, 20 December, audiences can look forward to two performances: based on the legends of winter wizards Yamal Iri from the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area and Sook Irey from the Republic of Tuva.

Further performances will follow according to the schedule below:

21.12 — Theatrical performance based on the legend of Ded Moroz from the Vologda region;

27.12 — Theatrical performance based on the legend of Tol Babay from the Udmurt Republic;

27.12 — Theatrical performance based on the legend of the Ryazan Ded Moroz from the Ryazan region;

28.12 — Theatrical performance based on the legend of Kysh Babay from the Republic of Tatarstan.

At the end of all performances, young guests will be invited on a tour of the exposition "Journey Across Russia". Those who listen to the entire tour and complete the quiz will receive sweet gifts.