Moscow Gypsy theatre is 75

The only professional Gypsy theatre in the world, the “Romen”, is celebrating its 75th anniversary. The date was marked by performing “We are Gypsies”, the theatre’s legendary show. 

Seventy five years ago, Moscow newspapers announced the opening of the theatre “Romen” and so far it remains the only professional gypsy company in the world. Its artists have marked the date by staging their legendary performance “We are Gypsies”. 

The theatre started from scratch. Most of its artists were brought from camps and couldn't even write their names. However, soon the company broadened its horizons and even included some Shakespeare's plays into its repertoire. Of course, traditional Gypsy chic is the main feature of their productions. Passionate dancing, catchy rhythms, bright costumes are the trade marks of “Romen”. Artists stress that their primary task is to preserve their cultural identity.  

Nikolay Slichenko, artistic director of the theatre says, “I wish this theatre to operate for a long time. Indeed, it's a unique Gypsy company, the only one of its kind in the world.”