Vladivostok's youth shine at 25th Live, Theater! festival with record creativity
Vladivostok recently hosted the 25th anniversary festival Live, Theater! The Eighth Wonder of the World. Over 2,000 young performers—ranging from kindergarteners to high school seniors—took part in the event. The festival celebrated creativity with professional shows, workshops, and a grand gala concert.
The festival awarded top honours in multiple categories. The Balaganchik theatre studio won the grand prize for best physical theatre with their production Lukomorye. Meanwhile, the Primorsky Krai Honored Dance Ensemble Plyasunya secured a second grand prize in dance for Into the Fairytale. Another standout was Galeryoka, a theatre group from School No. 48, which triumphed with The Fox and the Sable, a play rooted in Udege folklore.
Organisers also recognised contributions behind the scenes. Raisa Ravayeva, director of the *Long Live Theater* competition, received the *For Merit to Vladivostok* distinction, second class. Dozens of schools and kindergartens were awarded 100,000-ruble grants to support their theatre programmes, including *Vector* school theatre. Vladivostok Mayor Konstantin Shestakov addressed the participants, emphasising the festival's role in enriching the city's cultural life. The event brought together performers, educators, and audiences for a week of artistic exchange and celebration.
The festival concluded with awards, grants, and recognition for both performers and organisers. Young artists from across the region showcased their talents, while schools received funding to further develop their theatre projects. The event reinforced Vladivostok's commitment to nurturing creativity among its youth.
