Children filled the auditorium with their enthusiastic cheers and applause, wholly captivated by the adventures of 'Petrushka' - a long-nosed Russian puppet with a baton who engages in witty banter and playful arguments with the audience and the host.
Amidst the laughter, he embarks on a journey of acquiring invaluable life lessons and experiencing significant personal growth.
The puppeteers of the renowned Novosibirsk Regional Puppet Theatre have not only revived Russia's ancient 400-year-old folk puppet comedy but are also spreading the adventures of Petrushka across the globe.
Actress Polina Dmitrieva, who breathes life into the main lead puppet character 'Petrushka', told Sputnik India that what makes the character truly unique is his distinct, unrecognisable voice.
"Fairy tales unite people all over the world like no other. It is a wonderful opportunity to foster cultural exchange and promote the ancient art form of puppetry, strengthening our connections with India and sharing the rich heritage and traditions of this age-old craft," said Edward Shornik, director of International liaison at Novosibirsk Puppet Theater, to Sputnik India.
Yuri Gorlatykh, managing director of the Novosibirsk Regional Puppet Theater, expressed to Sputnik India that it was a great experience to introduce Petrushka to Indian audiences for the first time.
"Our skilled artists continue to keep the art form of puppetry alive, whether it be string puppetry, hand puppetry, or other genres for all age groups," Gorlatykh remarked.
Aside from captivating the audience with the performance, the artists also seized the opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant cities - New Delhi, Chandigarh, Agra, relishing lip-smacking Indian delicacies, and enjoying the arrival of spring.
"We are very pleased to be in India. The weather here is fantastic. Masala tea is extraordinary. We also enjoyed some sightseeing. Without a doubt, we would like to come back," actress Yana Tregubova signed off.