Kristina Kretova: "Morozko" will make both children and their parents happy

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A large-scale premiere of the "Morozko" performance was held at the National Centre RUSSIA. One of the leading roles in the production was performed by Bolshoi Theatre prima ballerina Kristina Kretova. According to her, the performance will make both children and their parents happy.

"I am incredibly happy to be back at the National Centre RUSSIA and to take part in another performance on this stage. Last year we presented 'The Nutcracker' here, which made everyone happy — both children and adults. This time we have staged 'Morozko'. What we have created is a kind of synthesis of ballet, operatic singing, and dramatic art. Do come — it will be very interesting," said Bolshoi Theatre prima ballerina Kristina Kretova.

At the heart of "Morozko" is an ordinary modern family that once shared a warm tradition of staging home performances based on Russian fairy tales on the eve of the New Year. Over the years, however, the mother Vera, father Alexei, and their elder daughter Marfa became absorbed in work and smartphones, and the unifying tradition was lost. The younger daughter, Nastenka, wants to bring that warmth back, makes a wish, and unexpectedly finds herself inside a fairy tale. Her guide and mentor becomes Morozko, while her family sets off in search of the girl, hoping to bring her home before the magical portal closes. Each of them must face a trial in order to regain not only Nastenka, but also themselves — and, along with that, their former family unity. This is a story about how a true miracle begins with the attempt to hear and understand those closest to us.

"I perform the role of the Firebird, who carries kindness and faith in the best. My symbolic feather will save everyone from evil — that is, from Baba Yaga. In fact, I have been dancing this role at the Bolshoi Theatre for a long time, in the ballet 'The Firebird' to music by Igor Stravinsky. That is why I had no difficulties with the role — it has long been 'in my legs'. My main goal is to make all children and their parents happy and to give them a festive mood. To be honest, I myself was inspired by the production during the dress rehearsal. I hope the audience will feel the same," Kristina Kretova noted.

The idea for "Morozko" belongs to Bolshoi Theatre principal dancer Igor Tsvirko, who proposed staging a New Year performance at the National Centre RUSSIA. The key feature of the production is its multi-genre format: ballet, opera, folk elements, and artistic choreography are successfully brought together on stage.

Performances of the original multi-genre production "Morozko" are being held at the National Centre RUSSIA as part of the "New Year Russia" project. The premiere took place on 27 December 2025. Further performances will be held on 28 and 30 December, from 6 to 11 January, and on 14 January 2026. Admission to the performance is free of charge. To attend, visitors must register on the website of the National Centre RUSSIA. Registration for a convenient date is available in the "Events" section.