Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre

SHARMANKA Kinetic Theatre is a collaboration between sculptor-mechanic Eduard Bersudsky, theatre director Tatyana Jakovskaya and lighting & sound designer  Sergey Jakovsky. Sharmanka’s history spans over three decades, whilst Eduard’s artwork has been in the making for more than fifty years.

In 1987, as the Soviet regime was collapsing, Eduard met Tatyana who suggested fusing his kinetic artworks with music & theatre lights to create a theatrical performance. Sharmanka (Russian for “barrel-organ”) first opened its doors to audiences in St. Petersburg in 1989.

In 1993 Sharmanka left Russia for Scotland where it reopened its doors in Glasgow’s Trongate area in 1996. 

Over the decades of its creative activity, Sharmanka has had numerous UK, European and International exhibitions and commissions. Its largest permanent installation is the Millennium Clock Tower at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, unveiled in 2000.

Eduard is the recipient of a Creative Scotland Award | 2005