"And I was there" — this phrase adds substance to any incredible story, as if certifying its veracity. It appears frequently in Alexander Afanasyev's renowned collection, "Russian Folk Tales," which includes approximately 600 texts gathered from a wide variety of sources: the archives of the Russian Geographical Society and Vladimir Ivanovich Dahl, Afanasyev's own notes made in the Voronezh province. For his production, director Arseny Meshcheryakov selected nine fairy tales, including the well-known "Geese-Swans," "Sister Alyonushka, Brother Ivanushka," "The Crane and the Heron," and "Kolobok."

The fairy tale genre is traditionally considered a children's genre, but these captivating and instructive stories were not originally intended for young children. As they reached a child audience, their plots were gradually reworked and censored, as they initially contained elements of cruelty and crude humor, much like foreign medieval literature — French fabliaux, German schwank, and Polish facetia.

"The tales in Afanasyev's collection are presented as they were written down, without literary adaptation. They are oral traditions captured on paper," — says Arseny Meshcheryakov. "The tales are theatrical in nature. Each has its own sound, rhythm, and character. Essentially, they are a ready-made musical score".

In his production, Meshcheryakov invites contemporary theatergoers to take a fresh look at archetypal narratives that have largely inspired Russian literature, painting, and theater, as well as to experience the unique rhythm and intonation of folklore prose. Working at the intersection of popular print and guignol, Arseny offers the audience a cascade of spectacular stunts, in which much depends on the actor's "physics" — their micro-intonations, articulation, breathing, and movement.

Dear viewers, please note the age rating for the production — it is not intended for children.