The Zingaro Theatre

But the joker in the pack this year is France. It presents a record number of performances – seven, including productions by the legendary Theatre Zingaro where men are performing alongside horses; Philippe Genty’s Company, whose latest production the French press described simply as ‘an hour and a half of magic’; as well as ‘Aurelia’s Oratorio’, a performance directed by Charlie Chaplin’s daughter Victoria.

Germany is bringing to Moscow all of its ‘Seven Mortal Sins’ directed by the leading light of modern dance choreography, Pina Bausch.

Dorian Gray brought together by one of the UK’s most popular and trailblazing choreographers, Matthew Bourne, is another absolute must-see performance.

«A Dream Play» by August Strindberg

The Swedish production ‘A Dream Play’ is based on August Strindberg’s drama, in which stage director Mats Ek describes it as the only play where the famous playwright "forgets about his misogyny."

Chili’s puppet theatre Teatro Milagros will show one of the most touching productions based on Nikolay Gogol’s short novel 'The Overcoat.'

You never know what to expect from unorthodox Canadian actor/director/playwright Robert Lepage, whose performances are booked months in advance, each causing a sensation. Already a Moscow regular, Lepage will be in the Russian capital with his latest theatrical experiment ‘Lipsynch’.

Part opera, part theatre, 'The Navigator' from Australian director Barrie Kosky has already won accolades from critics describing it as provocative, erotic, and unconventional.

Just like the Chekhov festival itself, it is moving the theatre into the 21st Century.

Valeria Paikova, RT