The play based on the debut novel by Viktor Pelevin, written in 1991, finally appeared on the Small Stage of the Moscow Art Theater, but how long it will go is a big question.
In the center of the plot is a boy Omon, who dreams of the sky and space since childhood and gets into a secret space school. During the training, Omon and his friends realize that not everything is so simple: they are being prepared for certain death in the name of a space race with the Americans for the conquest of the Moon.
The first thing you pay attention to is, of course, thoughtful scenography and costumes. The narrative in red is not only alarming, but also very attention-grabbing. And bulky costumes in the world of total absurdity look quite realistic and even "normal".
The obvious advantage of the performance is its dynamism. Due to the narrative from the first person, it seems that you are watching a movie, not a theatrical production. Due to this, 2.5 hours fly by unnoticed. Another plus is the linearity of the plot. This is not a performance where you will get lost or try to get to the bottom of it. The story is simple, but it doesn't get boring.
The most interesting thing is to analyze allegories and meanings. It would seem, at first glance, a story about patriotism and heroism? But it was not there. In the Pelevin manner, a satire is shown on the Soviet regime and the state machine, which kills everything in its path.
Nowadays, any statement from the stage sounds dangerous and is perceived by the viewer in absolutely different ways. We hope that the "Omon Ra" will not be affected by the cancellation culture, and we advise you, as usual, to see the performance "while it is going on".