A group of four people are dressed in elaborate costumes. On the left, an individual is wearing a dark outfit covered in a web-like pattern with a hood that drapes over the head. In the center, another individual is wearing a white, curled wig styled in an ornate historical fashion, along with a lace-trimmed garment. To the right, one person has a floral headpiece with light-colored flowers and is holding a star-shaped wand. Behind them, indoor decorative elements such as framed artwork and patterned wall décor are visible.
The theatre group was set up by five mums who wanted to make sure their children didn't forget their mother tongue. (Matreshka)

People in Guernsey are invited to try some traditional Slavic food this weekend – along with a taste of the region’s theatre.

A community theatre group will perform a “modern and fun” version of Sleeping Beauty this Sunday at Vale Church Hall, which the performers and creatives have devised.

As well as Russian and some English dialogue, the free play will feature music from Russian composer Tchaikovsky – along with playful pop covers including ‘Don’t stop Pinocchio’ in the style of Queen.

A group of people stand together in a library setting, surrounded by shelves of books. They are wearing a variety of ornate, traditional, and festive costumes. One person in the center is dressed in a blue and white outfit with a long white beard, resembling a winter holiday figure. Others wear embroidered garments, patterned robes, and decorative headpieces. Several individuals are holding up hands in a gesture of greeting or posing. A large digital screen in the background displays a snowy, blue winter scene. The room is brightly lit with chairs and bookshelves visible around the group.
Pictured: The community theatre group has previous performed plays like Red Riding Hood and Thumbelina in local venues like the library.

Founder Maria Chamberlain said the group chose to give well-known fairytales a “modern” twist, as it made them more accessible to English-speaking audiences.

“You absolutely understand what’s going on,” she added. “We’re bringing the joyful spirit of English pantomime.”

Mother tongue

The group was originally set up as a language group by five mums who wanted to ensure their children didn’t forget their mother tongue.

Since then, it has morphed into an community theatre group for people from Russian-speaking countries, including Latvia and Belarus, filled with “enthusiasts who try to have fun and support each other”.

“It’s amazing for the kids who just arrived in island,” Mrs Chamberlain said. “Maybe they have a language barrier, but they try it and they love it – and often stay for years.”

Mrs Chamberlain, a Siberian-born director and journalist, explained that the group was heavily influenced by Russian theatre pioneer Konstantin Stanislavski – who inspired the American ‘Method Acting’ movement.

Natalie Portman. A woman with long dark hair wearing a strapless, multicolored floral-patterned gown poses in front of a large Black Swan movie poster at a red-carpet event. The poster behind the person features a dramatic close-up of a performer in stylized stage makeup with dark, wing‑shaped eye makeup and an ornate crown. Parts of an event backdrop with branding and logos are also visible around the poster.
Natalie Portman famously turned to method acting when she played a troubled ballerina in Black Swan.

“We try to use the Slavic tradition of home theatre, when people are united together, making costumes, having laughs and basically sharing our enjoyment of the creative process,” she said.

The group is made up of people of all ages and with links to Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and others parts of the former Soviet Union.

“The star of Sleeping Beauty is five, and our villain – Maleficent – is played by a granny.”

‘A little rusty’

Mrs Chamberlain’s daughter, Mary-Anne (18), said she remembered her early childhood in Russia nostalgically, and loved “sharing it with the Russian kids of Guernsey who never really got to experience that”.

Mary-Anne, an Elizabeth College A-Level student, is fluent in Russian and tries to visit every year, but it was “easy to get out of touch and get a little rusty, especially for those who grow up in Guernsey”.

Though she started out acting – her standout role was as the ‘Lonely Knight’ in a Soviet-era adaptation of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ – she’s moved backstage for the latest production as the sound designer.

Her favourite memory of the group was “probably listening to my brother and mum planning a new performance and how excited they get… over herbal tea and biscuits”, she said.

I was amazing “making productions to bring those memories to life”, she added.

Sunday’s performance and tea party – which also features face painting and a raffle – starts at 17:00 and lasts about 80 minutes, including an interval.

Booking is not required and tickets are free.