The final performance of the play "Morozko" was held at the National Centre RUSSIA

---

More than 3.5 million viewers watched the multi-genre play "Morozko" online, while over 12,000 people attended the performance at the National Centre RUSSIA. The main New Year premiere took place on 27 December, and the final performance was held on 14 January.

"The National Centre was established by Presidential Executive Order as a venue designed to be engaging and educational above all for our younger generation. Today, it was especially rewarding to see children’s eyes light up — to watch them empathise with the characters and even dance along. The mission of the National Centre lies precisely in conveying our culture, history, traditions and values — such as love, friendship, compassion, mutual support and, most importantly, a large and caring family — to young people through such remarkable projects that cannot be seen anywhere else," said Alexei Zharich, Deputy Head of the Presidential Directorate for Social Projects.

The original play "Morozko" is an instructive story for audiences of all ages. At the heart of the plot is a modern family that has lost its warm domestic traditions amid the bustle of everyday life. Through the journey of the girl Nastenka into a fairytale world and the trials faced by her loved ones, the play reminds viewers of the importance of family warmth, love, mutual understanding and respect between generations.

"We really wanted 'Morozko' to become not just a performance, but that very kind fairytale that warms the heart, brings people together and gives joy. It is important for us that audiences feel love and kindness, that both children and adults leave the auditorium with smiles and a sense of celebration. We are glad to see that this story has resonated in the hearts of viewers and given them faith in miracles," said the Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA, Natalia Virtuozova.

The festive atmosphere during the performances of "Morozko" was enhanced by the partners of the National Centre RUSSIA — the Movement of the First. Before each performance, two workshops were held for visitors in the concert hall foyer: one on creating a traditional New Year wreath and another on decorating a transparent Christmas bauble. All handmade items could be taken home as decorations or given as gifts to loved ones. In addition, sweet gifts for young viewers were prepared jointly with the Movement of the First.

"The performances of the immersive multi-genre play 'Morozko' reached more than 12,000 viewers and became a landmark joint event for the Movement of the First and the National Centre RUSSIA. The Movement complemented the theatrical programme with festive activities: guests were welcomed by performers in stage costumes, New Year workshops were held, and sweet gift sets were prepared for all viewers. Our Movement regularly organises events at the National Centre RUSSIA. Together, we create vibrant cultural projects for children and young people. They foster love for the Motherland, pride in the country, and a desire to develop and contribute to society," said Artur Orlov, Hero of Russia, participant in the presidential personnel programme "Time of Heroes", and Chairman of the Board of the Movement of the First.

The idea for creating "Morozko" belonged to Bolshoi Theatre principal ballet dancer Igor Tsvirko, who proposed staging a New Year multi-genre performance at the National Centre RUSSIA, combining the traditions of a folk tale with contemporary theatrical language. The production is based on the Russian folk tale of the same name. When working on the script, the authors drew on the research of folklorist Vladimir Propp, in which the narrative develops from chaos through trials, culminating in a happy ending for the characters.

"We placed the family at the centre of the production — as the guardian of cultural traditions and a pillar of national identity, carrying an educational mission and giving hope to our citizens — adults, the elderly, young people and children — for a bright future. Hope that our country is great, multinational and multicultural," said Aidar Shaidullin, Chief Producer of the play "Morozko" and Honoured Artist of the Russian Federation.

The production featured leading performers from the Bolshoi Theatre, the Kremlin Ballet, soloists of the Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Music Theatre, the Russian National Ballet "Kostroma", the country’s principal Baba Yaga character By BABA YAGA, the folk music group "Buranovskiye Babushki", actors from the Vakhtangov Theatre and the Theatre "At the Nikitsky Gates", as well as other performers.

"Tonight carries a gentle sense of melancholy, as this is the final performance, and there is something special in that. I believe we succeeded in our task — to surprise audiences with a multi-genre programme and create a cohesive yet multifaceted production. We managed to bring together different art forms — from Bolshoi Theatre principal ballet dancers and the classical 'Firebird' to rap performed by Baba Yaga," said Chulpan Piotrovskaya, Chief Director and Scriptwriter of the play.

Following the final performance, certificates of appreciation from the National Centre RUSSIA were presented to the creators, the directing and acting teams, and the creative ensembles involved in "Morozko". The awards were presented by Alexei Zharich.

The play "Morozko" became part of the project "New Year Russia", which also included the journey-style exposition "Book of Fairy Tales", the festival "Winter Wizards", theatrical carolling performances "A Fairytale Path", creative workshops, and other events.

The multi-genre play "Morozko" was broadcast on the website of the National Centre RUSSIA, on Russian video platforms, across social media, and on the Zvezda TV channel. The recording is available for viewing on the russia.ru website in the "Livestreams and Videos" section.