The Belarusian State Puppet Theater has added a new family-friendly production to its repertoire – The Smart Dog Sonya, based on eponymous collection of stories by Andrei Usachev. Created by leading director Evgeny Kornyag and stage designer Tatyana Nersisyan, the production won the 2025 National Theater Prize of the Republic of Belarus for best performance for children and youth. This creative duo, joined by composer Ekaterina Averkova, is known for their fresh and conceptual approach, which has become the theater's hallmark. Tatyana Nersisyan meticulously designed the unique puppets and thought through every element of the set design to immerse young audiences in the magical world of the main character's adventures, while specially composed music and songs create the necessary emotional atmosphere.
The main character is Sonya, a dog nicknamed the "royal mongrel" because her owner is Ivan Ivanovich Korolev (“king”). She's often left home alone and, to avoid boredom, finds various activities that lead to unexpected results. Thanks to her inquisitive and cheerful nature, the audience won't be bored either. The director avoids excessive moralizing: important themes of friendship, mutual support, and rules of conduct are presented easily and unobtrusively, seamlessly woven into the humorous plot. This touching and witty story about Sonya not only entertains children but also teaches them valuable life lessons, making them empathize with the characters and laugh heartily.
