Dmitry Kuklachev, the first deputy artistic director of the Kuklachev Cat Theatre, has stated that circus performances cannot be staged in standard theaters unless a circular arena ring is built directly on the stage.
Speaking to Russian news outlet NSN, the Honoured Artist of Russia explained that circus productions lose their spectacle when removed from a traditional arena. He stressed that circus is fundamentally defined by its circular ring, making direct staging in a conventional theater venue impossible without structural changes.
Kuklachev Jr emphasized that while a permanent merger between circus and theater is practically impossible, interaction between the two art forms would be beneficial to both sides if conducted through individual joint projects.
Staging requirements for circus productions
According to Dmitry Yurievich, circus shows rely on the specialized environment of a manège, or circular arena, which provides the necessary sightlines and space for physical comedy, acrobatics, and animal routines. In contrast, standard theater stages use proscenium layouts designed primarily for front facing dramatic plays.
He explained that putting a circus act onto a standard theater stage destroys the visual impact that defines circus art. For any combined production to succeed, the physical arena ring must be constructed on top of the stage itself to preserve the nature of the performance.
Structural independence and joint projects
Kuklachev made clear that any discussion of a full organizational or physical merger is out of the question. He stated that joining a circus with a theater permanently cannot be achieved, though temporary collaborations on specific creative programs would offer valuable opportunities for both artistic communities.
His remarks were delivered in an interview with the National News Service, known as NSN, a Russian media outlet covering cultural affairs, politics, and public figures.
Background of the Kuklachev Cat Theatre
Dmitry Kuklachev is a prominent Russian circus artist and administrator at the Kuklachev Cat Theatre in Moscow. Founded in 1990 by his father, the famed clown and trainer Yuri Kuklachev, the theater is globally recognized for its unique productions featuring performing domestic cats alongside classical clowning.
The trainer previously made headlines after advising Western political leaders to take inspiration from a cat that ran away from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Kuklachev claimed at the time that cats possess an innate ability to sense negative auras and the approach of impending trouble.
