Founded in October 1945, immediately after the Second World War, the Republican Puppet Theater “Licurici” remains an exceptional cultural center, presenting shows for all ages. The theater began its activity with the show “The Gazebo” by S. Marsak, reflecting the Moldovan-Russian-Ukrainian cultural relations established immediately after the war.
Professionalism and beautiful spiritual traditions attract approximately 100,000 spectators to its hall each year, showcasing over 500 shows both within the country and abroad. Over the course of 75 years, the theater has staged more than 300 shows based on the most famous fairy tales by H.C. Andersen, Brothers Grimm, Carlo Collodi, A. de Saint-Exupery, J. Rodari, A.S. Pushkin, N.V. Gogol, Mihai Eminescu, and Ion Creanga. The works of contemporary Moldovan playwrights such as P. Carare, Gh. Urschi, E. Plugaru, V. Grosu, L. Sobietschy, A. Strîmbeanu, I. Filip, V. Boldisor, Gr. Vieru have also achieved success.
The Theater operates with two troupes—the Romanian language troupe and the Russian language troupe. Some shows are additionally translated into Italian, German, Spanish, and French.
“Licurici” has educated generations of young spectators with important human values such as goodness, beauty, and sincerity. The puppetry from “Licurici” tells genuine stories, transporting the audience into the enchanted world of fairy tales and fiction. Children and the elderly alike have admired and applauded various types of dolls, vivid shadows, and charming masks.
Titus Jucov, the artistic director, actor, and general director, led the theater for 38 years, curating national and universal drama, and building a unique image for his creative team.