It was a key part of the Sochi 2014 Winter Games Cultural Olympiad for 2011, and marked the end of the year's events, designed to unlock the potential of children with disabilities.

Nine short stories made up the play, which touched on the themes of courage and cowardice, friendship and betrayal, repentance and forgiveness, and the relationship between children and parents.

Dmitry Chernyshenko, President and chief executive of Sochi 2014, said that the performance "was a great end of the Sochi 2014 theatre Cultural Olympiad."

"But the main thing for me was an echo in the hearts of the children participating in the project," he added.

"[It is] confirmation that life is full of amazing opportunities.

"We must continue to organise children's competitions in the next year of music, the first concerts in which will be held soon after the holidays."

Chulpan Khamatova, an actress in the play, said: "This is art therapy for children who, because of illness or life circumstances, are socially excluded.

"Art therapy gives children the opportunity through the tools of art to be seen and heard, to feel that they need someone.

"Anyone is interested to see them laugh, hear them crying.

"So it is important for me to be part of this project and try to draw public attention to their troubles and problems."

Following the year of theatre, 2012 will see the Cultural Olympiad centred on musical performances, with museums the focus of 2013.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]