A play with this title, a joint production by the "Poisk" and "Syurpriz" theatres of the children's art school, was presented to the Lepel audience on the main stage of the district culture house on the International Day of Theatre. Tickets were almost completely sold out, and the audience greeted the performers with a full house.

The director of the production, Viktor Ivanovich Dzhamilashvili, encouraged his proteges, giving final instructions and advice.

The audience was diverse: mothers and fathers came to see their children, schoolchildren came to see their friends, and there were many ordinary lovers of cultural leisure. The cloakroom attendants were barely able to keep up with taking jackets and coats, and the ushers – checking tickets. Before the start of the play, Viktor Dzhamilashvili came onto the stage, congratulated all the guests on the holiday, and thanked them for finding the time to attend.

The curtain rose, the action began.

The play is based on the drama "Cinderella" by the Polish playwright Janusz Głowacki. At its centre are the events unfolding in a colony for juvenile delinquents. And if we add that the delinquents are girls... The heroines live a real life; they have grown up early, but even in this harsh reality, youthful dreams, aspirations, and feelings break through.

How did the teenagers end up behind bars? Who is to blame for this? First and foremost, us, the adults – the director's unequivocal answer. And this problem will always have sharp relevance.

The Lepel theatre enthusiasts staged "Cinderella" in 2003. The play received awards at festivals and competitions and was gratefully received by audiences in many cities. Ten years later, the director wanted to return to the material, to see how the new generation of actors would feel the theme, how new audiences would perceive it. Incidentally, former actors who performed in the first production were present in the hall.

After the play, the hall applauded the actors, standing.

In the foyer, the audience shared their emotions, recalling the most memorable moments again and again.

Behind the scenes, the actors received congratulations on a successful premiere and debut. Tears of joy rolled down their cheeks.

The play was a success – theatre art lovers affirmed in unison. And they await the next bright, emotional productions.

Vasily MATYRKO.