Kuklachev Cats Theatre

Lonely Planet review

Kuklachev Cats Theatre features a troop of talented felines performing astounding acrobatic feats. The cats dance, walk tightropes, balance balls on their noses, do pawstands, jump from great heights, and unerringly negotiate complex mazes. The theatre is the brainchild of Yuri Kuklachev, a former circus clown.

Kuklachev got the idea for the theatre 25 years ago when he saw a hungry kitten doing somersaults for its supper. The kitten, Romashka, became his first performer, and worked with Kuklachev for 22 years.

The feline stars of the theatre are strays or gifts, and are shown the utmost respect. 'We do not use the word train here,' says Kuklachev, 'because it implies forcing an animal to do something; and you cannot force cats to do anything they don't want to. We play with the cats.' The plays that the theatre performs are shaped by the cats' individual skills and preferences, revealed to Kuklachev during the many hours he spends with them.

The theatre is a great favourite with Moscow children. After the show, kids are invited backstage to meet the kittens that are constantly being born in the theatre. If they have their parents' permission, they can take one home.