The puppet theatre was the first cultural institution to start working in Grozny soon after the city was recaptured by Russian troops in 2000.

Rehearsals took place in the burnt-out remains of the theatre, while shooting continued outside.

The troupe spent four years travelling around Chechnya and performing for children, even in the most dangerous places.

Soldiers at checkpoints would ask if they were mad, travelling with puppets instead of guns.