Subject
Russia -- Drama Books
Best books
Leonid Andreyev
The Life of Man: A Play in Five Acts
"The Life of Man: A Play in Five Acts" by Leonid Andreyev is a symbolist drama written in 1906. This allegorical work follows Man's journey from birth to death, watched by the mysterious Someone in Grey—a symbol of both an indifferent God and the human mind. Moving through a grey world, Man experiences poverty, wealth, and ruin, struggling blindly against incomprehensible forces. The play explores the meaning of human existence and the tragic futility of life's struggles, presented through abstract characters and stylized scenes.
Adolphe d' Ennery
Michel Strogoff: Pièce à grand spectacle en 5 actes et 16 tableaux
"Michel Strogoff: Pièce à grand spectacle en 5 actes et 16 tableaux" by Ennery et al. is a theatrical piece written in the late 19th century. It follows the daring mission of the main character, Michel Strogoff, a courier for the czar, who embarks on a perilous journey through Siberia to deliver a crucial message while facing various threats, including a Tartar uprising and personal betrayals. At the start of the play, the audience is introduced to a lavish celebration in Moscow hosted by the governor in honor of the czar. The atmosphere is lively, with reporters discussing potential unrest in Siberia due to a looming Tartar uprising. We meet various characters, including the ambitious reporter Jollivet and the arrogant Englishman Blount. Tension escalates as we learn about a traitor, Ivan Ogareff, who poses a threat to the empire. The governor quickly realizes that they must get word to the Grand Duke, now in Irkoutsk, and calls upon Michel Strogoff for the urgent and dangerous mission, setting the stage for a story of bravery and sacrifice.
Leo Tolstoy
Pimeyden valta eli Kun kynsi on kiinni, niin on koko lintu hukassa: 5-näytöksinen näytelmä
"Pimeyden valta eli Kun kynsi on kiinni, niin on koko lintu hukassa" by Leo Tolstoi is a five-act play written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the complexities of rural life, focusing on a wealthy peasant named Pjotr, his family dynamics, and the various characters that populate their world, highlighting themes of love, duty, and societal expectation." "The opening of this play establishes a rural setting during the autumn season, depicting Pjotr as he struggles with his responsibilities and health issues while interacting with his wife Anisja and daughter Akulina. Pjotr's frustrations with his hired help, particularly Nikita, set the stage for tensions within the household, foreshadowing deeper conflicts to come. The characters' interactions reveal a blend of familial love and strife, with hints of romantic entanglements and societal pressures as they navigate their complex relationships amid the backdrop of peasant life."
Nikolai Vasilevich Gogol
Naimapuuhat: 2-näytöksinen huvinäytelmä
"Naimapuuhat: 2-näytöksinen huvinäytelmä" by Nikolai Vasilevich Gogol is a two-act comedy written in the early 19th century. This work presents a humorous exploration of courtship and marriage through a collection of eccentric characters navigating the complexities of relationships. The main character, Podkolesin, is a hesitant suitor grappling with the idea of marriage, reflecting the social norms and expectations of his era. The opening of the play introduces Podkolesin, a somewhat indecisive bachelor who is contemplating the prospect of marriage whilst lounging in his room. He is visited by his friend Stepan and the matchmaker Fjokla, who pressure him to consider wedlock seriously. Podkolesin appears both anxious and self-reflective, revealing his extroverted thoughts about the qualities of a potential bride, Agafja Tihonovna. The dialogue captures the playful banter concerning his preparations for marriage, setting the tone for the comedic exploration of social expectations surrounding romance. The beginning hints at the amusing mishaps and social commentary that will unfold as the narrative progresses.
Recently surfaced classics