Theater of animals named after Durov: history, sights and interesting facts

The Durov Animal Theater, whose history of formation is described in this article, is among the most unusual in the world. There has not been and still is not in any country anything similar to its circus. The performances "Durov's Corner" are very popular with the audience.

About the theater

The history of the Durov Animal Theater in Moscow began in 1912. It was then that the founder of the legendary circus dynasty opened his unique circus, on the stage of which people and animals performed. Vladimir Leonidovich Durov had his own methods of training. He did not use a stick and a whip. He brought up kindness, caress, love and encouraged goodies. Vladimir Durov belonged to animals, as to the sentient and understanding beings.

In his theater, except for performances, there were excursions and scientific developments, so the building housed a museum and a laboratory of zoopsychology. This is a unique institution.

Almost has not changed since then the appearance of the building, in which the theater of animals named after Durov is located. "The corner of Durov's grandfather" - that's how his name sounds. The room in which he lives, was built according to the project of the most famous architect of that time, Augustus Weber.

In 2012, the theater turned 100 years old. Today it has two scenic stages - the Big (designed for 328 seats) and the Malaya (accommodating up to 90 spectators). As before, the main goal of his work is not to entertain, but also to teach the audience to treat our lesser brothers with love and kindness, to be honest, to respect the elders and always come to the aid of their friends.

The performances "The corner of Durov's grandfather" are intended for spectators from one and a half years and to infinity. Each visitor, in addition to the performance, can visit the museum and the laboratory.

"The corner of Durov's grandfather" allows you to get into this fairy tale. Here, animals behave exactly as described in Russian fairy tales. Kids will see that the little fox-sister knows how to cunning, the wise crows - to count and talk, and the bunny must fall into various woes.

On the stage are elephants, raccoons, monkeys, badgers, hippos, lions, eagles and other animals.

Trainers "Corner" - the most real virtuosos. They use only gentle methods of training, which were developed by VL Durov.

Interesting facts about the theater:

• The street on which it is located, was renamed and named in honor of VL. Durova.
• The statues of animals that decorate the foyer of the theater were fashioned by Vladimir Leonidovich.
• The animals participating in the performances were named in the playbill as "acting muzzles".

Dynasty Dynasty

The Durov Animal Theater has existed for more than a hundred years. Founded his famous throughout the world the ancestor of the circus dynasty. Vladimir Leonidovich was born in 1863. He was from an old noble family.

V. Durov and his younger brother Anatoly early orphaned and brought up in the family of his godfather N.Z. Zakharova. He was going to make military men out of boys, but the brothers loved the circus, were fond of acrobatics and looked with pleasure at the performances of clowns.

Soon Vladimir and Anatoly fled to Tver. There they joined Rinaldo's wandering circus troupe. They had to pass a heavy acting school. They have mastered all the circus professions.

In 1912, Vladimir Leonidovich opened the "Corner of Durov." Here he lived until the end of his days with his family, and worked here.

Spouse Durova became a circus rider. After his death, she headed the theater. Then these responsibilities took over their daughter Anna.

The Durovs' Dynasty is six People's Artists and three Honored.

Now the theater is run by Vladimir Leonidovich's great-grandson - Yuri Yuryevich.

Performances

The Durov Animal Theater in the current season includes the following performances in its repertoire:

• "In the footsteps of the Snow Queen."
• "History of the Crystal Shoe."
• "Turnip".
• "An Extraordinary Journey."
• "The Adventures of the Elf Roy."
• "Give me a fairy tale."
• "As Babka-Yozhka has become kind."
• "Fairy tale goldfish" and others.

Actors-people

The theater of animals named after Durov is talented trainers and actors in one person.

In the troupe there are real virtuosos:

• Lyudmila Terekhova.
• Natalia Durova is the youngest.
• Liya Makienko.
• Ekaterina Zverintseva.
• Naum Kannengiser.
• Irina Sidorova-Popova.
• Maria Smolskaya.
• Marina Frolova.
• Yuri Yuryevich Durov.
• Svetlana Maksimova.
• Vildan Yakubov.
• Elena Sokolova.
• Irina Sizova.
• Vladimir Somov and others.

Actors-animals

The Durov Animal Theater is a troupe that consists not only of people. Here work and animals. They are treated like the most real artists. In "Corner" live and work:

• Tom's chimpanzee.
• The goat Esha.
• Hippopotamus Dobrynia.
• Monkey Jasmine.
• Badger Chuck.
• The elephant Suzy.
• Hippopotamus of the Fly.
• Tigress Masyanya.
• Slash of Remy.
• Medved Petrovich.
• Donkey's donkey.

And also cats, dogs, ponies, porcupines, goats, noses and so on.

The Museum

The Durov Animal Theater in Moscow has its own museum. It is located In an old mansion of the late 19th century. This is the house where the founder of the circus dynasty lived - Vladimir Leonidovich Durov. The family of the trainer lived on the second floor. On the first there was a menagerie, an animal theater "Crumb", a scientific laboratory and a zoological museum.

Today, there are guided tours that introduce visitors to the life and work of VL. Durova. In the museum you can see old photographs and posters, stage costumes.

Entering the office of VL Durov, the visitors see Vladimir Leonidovich sitting at the table. He "comes to life" and goes out to the public. The role of V. Durov is played by the artist of the theater O. Savitsky. Then he shows his pets. Demonstrates the method of dressing, which was used by Vladimir Leonidovich.

The museum has a living room. Here, the main attractions, invented by the master, were recreated.

"Mouse Railroad"

Not only the theater of animals named after Durov is unique for its performances. Its attractions also cause delight not only for young visitors, but also for their parents. These include attractions that VL himself came up with. Durov: "Laundry of the raccoon Tishka", "Friendly dinner".

The most beloved and famous among them is the "Mouse Railroad". This is a mechanical attraction, in which live mice take part. It was completely renovated in 2013. Before the audience appears settlement Myshgorod. Here live wonderful mice. And one day they go to sports competitions. They travel by train, sail by boat, fly by plane and climb the cable car!

These funny mice have a best friend. It's a cat. She leads a story about those adventures that occur with small travelers. The presentation ends with the fact that the Cat bypasses the auditorium, holding a hand mouse in its hands, which it allows to pat for all children.