“Street Theater Procession” — Opening of Platonov Fest in Voronezh

Over the weekend, Voronezh’s Alye Parusa park turned into a huge stage without a roof or walls. The Platonov Festival opened with street theaters featuring stilt walkers, mimes, giant puppets, and acrobats performing right on the grass and asphalt.

Last year I was just a spectator with a camera, shooting from behind the crowds. This time I was a volunteer and found myself right in the middle of the action! It’s a completely different feeling. You move along with them, becoming part of the performance.

Ten companies from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Samara, Rostov, and Kazan presented physical theater, comedy, absurdity, and children’s stories. Spectators wandered between the stages, children ran from one clown to another, and some stood frozen with their mouths open, watching the acrobatic acts. 27,000 people over two days, not a single crush — just sun-drenched exhaustion and smiles.

These 30 shots are my attempt to capture that very freedom that street theater gives. When art leaves the halls and meets you on the lawn, next to ice cream and children’s laughter.