Tokhot

Theatrical Association of Shadow Artists (ТОХОТ)
Chelyabinsk, Russia
“A Beastly Detective Story. In the Wolf’s Den”
/ Puppet–shadow detective on the big screen /

Based on the story by A. Starobinets
Director: S. Cherepanov
Designer: E. Lobzanova
Music: Jazz Ensemble of Platon Gazeleridi

An experienced detective, the Badger, and his assistant, the young Badgerling, investigate a terrible crime deep in the forest: someone has eaten a hare. All the evidence points to the Wolf, who is promptly captured and arrested — but something doesn’t add up.
Beastly intrigues, betrayals, and crimes unfold in the style of detective noir, yet designed for a family audience.
This amazingly witty and humorous story, told by Anna Starobinets, seems made for the theatre of projections. In a noir atmosphere, where every gesture — or its absence — takes on special meaning, the silhouette puppet comes to the forefront, possessing the unique ability to reflect human emotions and inner struggles through its plastic limitations. Like a shadow distorting reality, the puppet conveys the essence of each character, while the writer’s brilliant text draws the audience deeper into the mysteries of the distant forest with every spoken word.
The performance will appeal not only to children fascinated by solving mysteries, but also to parents, who will recognize many witty and topical reflections of the adult world.

Duration: 50 minutes
Age category: 6+
The performance is in Russian.