Alexander Griboyedov’s classic play about the confrontation between the old, conservative “famusian” society and the young, progressive Chatsky turned into a mystical, but very vivid picture of nowadays Russia.

The main and most catchy detail of the production’s scenery is the widely spread on the Russian Internet character called “Zhdoon” (the one who waits) – originally Homunculus Loxodontus, a statue by Dutch artist Margriet van Breevoort.

Fifty “zhdoons” on stage are carried in the arms like children, get jewellery on, are prayed to and serve as a means of communication. The reason why the people in Russia became so fond of Margriet van Breevoort ‘s character is probably that Russians are always waiting for something: changes for the better, happiness, sun, good weather ... What are we not waiting for and what are we not hoping for?!

The show is full of songs and dances, it’s easy and fun to watch. But behind all this rollicking fun lies a serious question about the essence of the Russian human being, about the “mysterious Russian soul”, about our inaction, silence, disorder, idleness. After all, so often we say to ourselves: “Why change something? I'll just sit tight and wait”.  And if at the beginning of the play Zhdoon moves the spectator, makes one laugh, then gradually, towards the end, this image grows into a horrifying character that makes one cry. And the most important thing is to get better, to distance oneself from Zhdoon, to have nothing in common with him and oneself.

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Duration: 150 minutes

Genre: Theatre 

Tickets for all performances in the artistic programme are booked for the Caravan participants, courtesy of the Russian Theatre Union. 

This performance will be followed by a Q&R with the artists.