I found a new park by the apartment. Mziuri Park and Garden. Mziuri is located on Chavchavadze Avenue in the neighborhood I am staying in, Vake. It is said to be one of the most positive places in Tbilisi. There are statues of Georgian writer Nodar Dumbadze’s characters at the entrance (but, I have never heard of him so I don’t know who they are). There is a fun amphitheater in the central part of the park. It is a peaceful place to walk.

Tonight Ramona—a tale about trains in love.

Though small in size, The Gabriadze Theatre is said (at least here in Tbilisi) to be among the world’s preeminent cultural institutions. Presenting mature puppet performances full of depth and meaning, it has gained the respect and recognition of international audiences and critics alike. The company was under the direction of artist, writer and director Rezo Gabriadze who recently passed away.

Ramona stars two star-crossed steam locomotives. You could say it’s about the romance of travel, though here that romance ends in an unusually tearful scene of smelting. In just over an hour, this show was set in postwar Soviet Union and tackles freedom and duty, love and death, and metallurgy.

I think I overheard someone say that Ramona played at Lincoln Center a number of years ago, pre-pandemic.

The performance was terrific. I’m so glad I went. Six black-clad puppeteers were so skillful, the puppets’ voices were recorded (rather than live) and there were English subtitles. : )

Running time: 75 minutes. Premiered: 2013 in Tbilisi.