Howard Colyer Boeken

This is a title in the Bristol Classical Press Russian Texts series, in Russian with English notes, vocabulary and introduction. Mikhail Bulgakov (1891-1940) is well-known for his novel, "The Master and Margarita", published posthumously in the 1970s. In his own life he was best known as a playwright, with plays running at several of the leading theatres in Moscow during the 1920s and 1930s. "Flight" takes as its subject the defeated Whites as they flee the Reds and emigrate to Constantinople and Paris. The play was too politically controversial to be staged in Bulgakov's lifetime. Couched in the form of eight "dreams" rather than conventional scenes, it hovers between tragedy and comedy.

The story explores the struggles of a hero returning to a city that has moved on in his absence. With the war over, he grapples with his identity and purpose, as he realizes that his skills in warfare are no longer needed. Instead of a hero's welcome, he faces unresolved issues from his past that resurface, challenging him to confront the consequences of his absence and redefining what it means to be a hero in peacetime.

Considered the high point of Gogol's writing for the stage and a masterpiece of dramatic satire, The Inspector General skewers the stupidity, greed, and venality of Russian provincial officials. When it is announced that the Inspector General is coming to visit incognito, Anton, the chief of police, hastens to clean up the town before his arrival. Local officials scurry to hide evidence of bribe-taking and other misdeeds, setting the stage for the arrival from St. Petersburg of Ivan, a penurious gambler and rake who is promptly taken by the townspeople to be the dreaded Inspector General. Ivan, and his servant, Osip, soon take advantage of the situation with hilarious results. First performed in 1836, the play transcends regional and national boundaries to offer a biting, highly entertaining glimpse of universal human foibles and failings.

Exploring themes of marriage, lust, and deceit, this play presents a humorous take on Machiavelli's work, infused with modern relevance. Set against the backdrop of the Italian Renaissance, it showcases the timelessness of its narrative through a contemporary adaptation that resonates with today's audience. Critically acclaimed for its fresh approach and political undertones, the production delivers a blend of comedy and insight, ensuring its appeal across generations. The adaptation debuted at the Jack Studio Theatre in London in 2013.

This book is part of the TREDITION CLASSICS series, aimed at reviving public domain literature in print. TREDITION supports non-profit literary projects and donates part of the proceeds from sales, allowing readers to help preserve remarkable works of world literature.

Written in 1836, Woyzeck is often considered to be the first truly modern play. The story of a soldier driven mad by inhuman military discipline and acute social deprivation is told in splintered dialogue and jagged episodes, which are as shocking and telling today as they were when first performed, almost a century after the author's death, in Munich 1913. This edition contains introductory commentary and notes by Laura Martin from the University of Glasgow. METHUEN DRAMA STUDENT EDITIONS are expertly annotated texts of a wide range of plays from the modern and classic repertoires. A well as the complete text of the play itself, this volume contains: · A chronology of the play and the playwright's life and work · an introductory discussion of the social, political, cultural and economic context in which the play was originally conceived and created · a succinct overview of the creation processes followed and subsequent performance history of the piece · an analysis of, and commentary on, some of the major themes and specific issues addressed by the text · a bibliography of suggested primary and secondary materials for further study.

The story follows Dennis Oldshaw, who has left his mundane office job to pursue his passion for painting. However, his newfound freedom is overshadowed by a looming fear for his life. As he grapples with this anxiety, he reflects on a pivotal day from his past that he believes shaped his identity and choices. The narrative explores themes of self-discovery and the impact of past experiences on present circumstances.

Set in a haunting interrogation environment, the play revolves around a man grappling with the disappearance of his wife and his own lost identity. The atmosphere is thick with mystery, as he confronts sinister figures reminiscent of the Weird Sisters. Critics praise its nightmarish intensity and spellbinding delivery, highlighting themes of guilt and mental turmoil. The play's unique blend of ghostly elements and psychological depth captivates audiences, making it a compelling exploration of memory and conscience.

Exploring themes of guilt and redemption, the story follows an Englishman who ambiguously kills someone and faces no legal consequences. Overcome with remorse, he resigns from his job, sells his flat, and leaves his fiancée behind. His journey takes him through Italy in search of a former girlfriend, ultimately leading him to a village in the far north-west of Sicily, where he rents a house and begins to write about his life, reflecting on his past and the choices that brought him there.

This unique autobiography unfolds through a series of haikus, capturing moments of life in three concise lines each day. The fragmented format offers a poetic glimpse into the author's experiences, emotions, and reflections, inviting readers to engage with the essence of daily life in an artistic way. The diary format allows for a personal and introspective journey, showcasing the beauty of simplicity and the power of brevity in storytelling.