About 500 people are inside.
The attackers are Chechen rebels, and are demanding Russia end its war against Muslims in the state who are trying to separate.
They are threatening to blow up the theatre if Russian forces storm the building, according to patrons and backstage crew members who fled during the confusion early in the attack.
Marquee of hostage theatre
But late Wednesday, two Russian politicians entered the building to negotiate with the rebels.
Police and security forces are all around the building, but the start of talks suggests the Russians aren't planning an attack.
- FROM OCT. 7, 2002: Russia, Georgia to co-operate on fighting Chechen rebels
Some children and Muslims were allowed to leave the theatre after the attackers took over, rushing into the building and shooting in the air.
People who fled the building said the attackers may have mined the theatre, and some wore explosives on their bodies.
The women may be widows of Chechen men killed by the Russians in the bloody war that has gone on for nearly a decade.
The musical being performed is called "Nord-Ost," one of the Russian capital's most popular productions.
Related
Video
- Michel Cormier reports for CBC TV (Runs: 2:12)
- Newsworld's Ian Hanomansing gets a phone report from CBC's Michel Cormier at the scene. (Runs: 2:06)
play: RealMedia »
play: RealVideo »
play: RealMedia »
External Links
(Note: CBC does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of external sites - links will open in new window)
More Headlines »
- Taliban, al-Qaeda behind Bhutto assassination: Pakistan government
- Pakistan's government has blamed al-Qaeda and the Taliban for the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, claiming it intercepted a congratulatory message from a militant leader
- Avoid non-essential travel to Pakistan: Ottawa
- Ottawa updated its travel advisory to Pakistan on Thursday in light of the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, telling people to avoid all non-essential trips to the country.
- Walter Gretzky, Steve Nash named to Order of Canada
- The man who first taught Wayne Gretzky how to play hockey is among 61 people who were named to the Order of Canada on Friday.
- South Africa's top presidential candidate charged with corruption: lawyer
- South Africa's ruling party leader, Jacob Zuma, has been indicted for corruption and will stand trial next year, his lawyer told the South African Broadcasting Corp. on Friday.
- Snow piles up in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Businesses and government offices were closed and flights delayed or cancelled in St. John's on Friday as parts of Newfoundland and Labrador dug out from more than 20 centimetres of snow.
Blog Watch
Most Blogged about CBC.ca Articles
Note: CBC does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of external sites - link will open in new window