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 not only travelled to the harsh and beautiful tundra, but also helped save the magic of the chief northern wizard, Yamal Iri — a kind and wise elder whose age is measured by the total number of snowflakes in the world. The latest theatrical performance of the "Winter Wizards" festival was dedicated to New Year traditions in the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area.
"Each performance of our 'Winter Wizards' festival introduces young guests to the country’s cultural richness and shows that even the most incredible fairy-tale stories can take shape and become reality. They teach us to be attentive, brave and kind, and, of course, to keep dreaming and believing that a wizard lives inside everyone who is ready to do good. Today, Yamal Iri once again showed that true strength lies in unity: any magical artefact without the energy of kindness is merely an empty shell, while patience and goodwill can melt even the coldest heart," said Anastasia Zvyagina, Deputy Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA.
At the beginning of the performance, the mighty yet warm-hearted Yamal Iri invited the children into his chum, introduced them to the traditions of nomadic peoples, and showed them his greatest treasures — the magical Staff and the Drum, the "voice" and the chief law of the tundra. However, the celebration was disrupted by the evil spirit Ngyleka, a servant of the underworld. Having stolen the drum, he deprived the winter wizard of his power.
"Freeze and listen, winter wizard! Now the voice of the tundra belongs to me, and the entire tundra will live by my laws. I have stolen the magic, and now I am the most powerful, the loudest, and the one in charge. And you, Yamal Iri, it is time to rest — you are already old," came the menacing voice of Ngyleka. Losing his strength, Yamal Iri could barely rise from his place.
Two local children came to the wizard’s rescue — the brave Ledko and the resourceful Ngayuko. Their journey led them through cunning traps laid by Ngyleka. First, the evil spirit sowed discord between the friends, forcing them to argue over which road to take, but the children came to their senses in time.
"We are best friends, and yet we almost fell out just now! I think this is Ngyleka’s doing. Yamal Iri said he sends bad thoughts," Ledko realised.
The "Bog of Lies" trap forced the children to tell untruths, and only with the help of the young audience and a protective whistle-charm were the heroes able to overcome the spell. The third trial, the "Mist of Oblivion", nearly made the brave travellers forget their mission and Yamal Iri himself, but the magic once again failed. Even when faced with a fearsome bear, the children did not lose heart: together with the audience, they sang the soothing "Tundra Lullaby" they had learned from Yamal Iri. The friends then offered to teach Ngyleka how to dance — and the evil spirit’s heart melted.
"Children, you have truly touched me! I have realised that a true wizard does not seek to be better than others. He simply tries sincerely to make the world a better place," Ngyleka admitted as he returned the drum.
Yamal Iri’s strength was restored, the northern lights flared above the chum, and the magical story ended with a joyful round dance around the New Year tree.
The "Winter Wizards" festival is organised 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 colourful 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.
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