Our people - we will be numbered. Comedy (1850)

The merchant's daughter of marriageable age, Olimpiada Samsonovna (Lipochka) Bolshova, sits alone at the window with a book and, arguing, "what a pleasant occupation these dances are," begins to waltz: she has not danced for a year and a half and is afraid, if anything, "to be embarrassed."

She doesn't dance well. The mother, Agrafena Kondratievna, enters: “It’s not the first light, without eating the bread of God, and immediately for dancing!” Mother and daughter are arguing, apparently habitually: “All my friends have been with their husbands for a long time, but I’m like an orphan!” <...> Listen, find me a groom, definitely find him! <...> I’m already coughing like a fly! (Cries.)"

Matchmaker Ustinya Naumovna arrives. Lipochka wants a “noble” groom, her father is rich, her mother is a merchant, “so that he can baptize his forehead in the old-fashioned way.” Sysoy Psoich Rispozhensky, a lawyer expelled from court for drunkenness, arrives. They make fun of him. But the newly arrived owner, Bolshov, needs a lawyer seriously: he is considering whether to declare himself an insolvent debtor (the first title of the comedy was “Bankrupt”). The women leave, and the owner and the lawyer delve deeper into this topic. The solicitor advises to transfer all property to the clerk Lazar Elizarych Podkhalyuzin. He also comes in, telling how he teaches the shop assistants how to deceive customers “more naturally.”

Bolshov is reading a newspaper. In Moscow there is a chain of bankruptcies, mostly, apparently, “malicious”, intentional ones; and each, each refusal to pay debts naturally entails the following. “What, they came to an agreement or something!.. You can’t count them here...” And the merchant makes up his mind. The main question is: can you trust the person to whom you transfer your property in order to hide it from the inventory for debts?

Podkhalyuzin sends the boy Tishka to get rowan wood for Rispozhensky, with whom he has business, and indulges in thoughts out loud. “I am a poor man! Even if I use something extra in this matter, there is no sin, because he himself <,..> goes against the law!” Lazar is in love with Lipochka and is already making new plans, including marrying her: “Yes, from such pleasure you can jump off Ivan the Great.”

And, treating the lawyer, he asks how much Bolshov promised him for “all this mechanics,” and he himself promises not a thousand, but two.

The matchmaker comes, he promises her the same amount and a sable fur coat in addition - “we’ll make it from the living” - if she discourages the already planned “noble” groom: let her tell him that Bolshov is ruined. Bolshov himself comes home, the house panics by mistake: it seemed that he was “intoxicated.” Lazar starts a conversation with him about marriage - not directly, but, having heard for the third time that Lipochka is “a young lady like no other in the world,” Bolshov takes the bull by the horns. Lazarus is modest: “Where am I with a cloth snout, sir? - It’s nothing cloth. The snout is like a snout.” Of course, transferring more goods not to the clerk, but to the future son-in-law is in Bolshov’s interests.

The house is getting ready for matchmaking. Samson Silych is also solemn in his own way, but Ustinya Naumovna appears with bad news: supposedly the groom is being capricious. “Oh, peck the frog, can’t we find another one?” “Well, don’t look for another one, otherwise the same thing will happen again. I’ll find you another one myself,” says Bolshov himself, and he knows what he’s saying. .

The housekeeper Fominishna, Rispozhensky, Lazar join the company, and Bolshov solemnly announces Lazar as the groom. Commotion. Lipochka is just making a scandal. “I order you to marry the janitor!” - Bolshov tuts at his daughter. “Mama, sir! You have a son-in-law who would respect you and, therefore, put your old age to rest - besides me, you will not find, sir. <...> You, mamma, remember this word that I just said,” says Lazar following the hostess and, remaining face to face with the enraged Lipochka, informs her that the house and shops are now his, and “your little brother: he’s bankrupt, sir! <...> But what are they doing to me? , brought up, then went bankrupt!” And Lipochka, after a pause, agrees, with the condition: “We will live on our own, and they will live on their own. We will run everything according to fashion, and they will do as they want.” Immediately they are called “them” and the family celebration begins. And Bolshov announces: “You, Lazar, will have a house and shops instead of a dowry, and we’ll count it out of the cash. <...> Just feed the old woman and me, and pay the creditors ten kopecks each.” - Is it worth talking about this, my dear? < ...> Our people - we will be numbered!" The celebration is in full swing. The matchmaker pours wine down the lawyer's collar.

Initial remarks of the last act: “In the Podkhalyuzin house there is a richly furnished living room. Olympiada Samsonovna is sitting by the window in a luxurious position, wearing a silk blouse and a cap of the latest style. Podkhalyuzin in a fashionable frock coat stands in front of the mirror.” The couple enjoys happiness. Lipa asks to buy the thousandth stroller. Lazarus is ready. Lipa says a French compliment. Lazarus is delighted. Ustinya Naumovna comes to get what she promised. "You never know what I promised!" - Podkhalyuzin directly says to the matchmaker, and she leaves with a hundred-dollar note instead of the promised thousands and an unimportant dress from Lipochka instead of a sable coat. “They didn’t let the baby out of the hole,” Lipochka looked out the window. “Well, no, sir, they won’t let my little one out of the pit soon; but one must assume <...> that’s how he asked to go home” - and Lazar calls his mother-in-law.

Bolshov had complained about his health before; “As if he came from the other world,” the wife laments. He wants to give the creditors twenty-five kopecks per ruble of debt, as he himself intended at the beginning. They agree (in the debt prison, “pit”, the imprisoned debtors were kept at the expense of the creditors). But Bolshov sits, and Podkhalyuzin decides: now the money is his. And he refuses with Lipochka’s full support. "- I, darling, can’t, sir! God knows, I can’t, sir! <...> - Help me out, kids, help me out! <...> I, darling, lived with you until I was twenty years old - I never saw the world . Well, will you order me to give you the money and go back to wearing cotton dresses? - What are you, what are you! Come to your senses! After all, I’m not asking you for alms, but for my own property! - We, dear, told you that more than ten We can’t give you a kopeck, so there’s no point in talking about it.” This is Lipochkina’s last word. “After all, I’m malicious - deliberate... they’ll send me to Siberia. Lord! If you don’t give me money, give me for Christ’s sake!” - Bolshov is already crying. Agrafena Kondratyevna loudly curses both her son-in-law and her daughter. The whole result: “So be it, I’ll add another five kopecks,” Lazar sighs. The desperate Bolshov gets up and leaves with Agrafena Kondratyevna.

“It’s awkward, sir! <...> Tishka! Give me an old frock coat, which is worse.” Podkhalyuzin decides to go and bargain with creditors himself. Rispozhensky appears, like the matchmaker, for the promised money, and he is treated the same as the matchmaker, and even worse: “They must! Also, they must! As if he has a document! And for what - for fraud! - No, wait! You won't get rid of me with this! - What are you going to do with me? - My tongue is unbought. - So, do you want to lick me? - No, not to lick, but <...> - I... I'll do this: respectable audience! - What are you, what are you, wake up! - Look out of your drunken eyes! " Rispozhensky climbs straight into the auditorium shouting: “He robbed his father-in-law! And he’s robbing me... Wife, four children, thin boots!” But the last word here goes to Podkhalyuzin: “Don’t believe him, what he said, sir, is all lies. None of this happened. He must have dreamed about it. But here we are opening a shop: "You're welcome! If you send a little baby, we won't take it for granted."

Author of the retelling: A. I. Zhuravleva

Plum. Comedy (1857)

The comedy takes place in Moscow, during the first years of the reign of Alexander II. The old important official Aristarkh Vladimirovich Vyshnevsky, coming out into the large “richly furnished hall” together with his young wife Anna Pavlovna (both in morning negligee) from her rooms, reproaches her for her coldness, complains that he cannot overcome her indifference. Vyshnevsky goes into the office, and the Vyshnevsky boy brings a letter, which turns out to be a love letter from an elderly man with a beautiful wife. The indignant Vyshnevskaya gathers with her friends to laugh at the unpleasant admirer and leaves.

An old, experienced official, Yusov, who came to Vyshnevsky with business in his department, appears and goes into the office. Belogubov, Yusov's young subordinate, enters. Visibly pompous, Yusov leaves the boss and orders Belogubov to rewrite the paper cleaner, reporting that Vyshnevsky himself chose him as a copyist, pleased with his handwriting. This delights Belogubov. He only complains that he is not good at reading and writing, and for this Zhadov, Vyshnevsky’s nephew, who lives in his house with everything ready and also serves under the command of Yusov, laughs at him. Belogubov asks for the position of chief executive, which will be his “for the rest of his life,” and explains his request by his desire to get married. Yusov promises favorably and also reports that Vyshnevsky, dissatisfied with his nephew, intends to invite him to leave the house and try to live on his own on a ten-ruble salary. Zhadov appears to talk to his uncle, but he has to wait in the company of Belogubov and Yusov, who grumbles at him and reproaches him for being overly ambitious and unwilling to do menial clerical work. Zhadov tells his aunt, with whom he is friendly, that he has decided to marry a poor girl and live with her through his labor. The aunt expresses doubt that the young wife will want to live in poverty, but Zhadov thinks of raising her in his own way, assures that, no matter how hard it is for him, he will not give in even “a millionth share of those convictions that <...> obliged to education." However, he reports that he wants to ask his uncle for an increase in salary. Vyshnevsky and Yusov appear and begin to scold Zhadov for his sloppy performance in office, for the “stupid speeches” that he makes in front of his colleagues, who laugh at him behind his back. Vyshnevsky sharply condemns the intention of his nephew, who has no means, to marry a dowryless woman, they quarrel, and Vyshnevsky, declaring that he is ending his family relationship with Zhadov, leaves. Vyshnevsky asks Yusov who his nephew is going to marry, and learns that he is marrying one of the daughters of the poor widow of an official, Kukushkina. Vyshnevsky orders to warn the widow so that she does not ruin her daughter, does not give her away “for this fool.” Left alone, Yusov scolds the new times, when “boys began to talk,” and admires the “genius” and scope of Vyshnevsky. However, he expresses concern due to the fact that he “is not entirely firm in the law, from another department.”

The second act takes place in a poor living room in the house of the widow Kukushkina. Sisters Yulenka and Polina are talking about their suitors. It turns out that Yulenka does not like Belogubov ("terrible rubbish"), but she is glad, gladly, at least to marry him, in order to get rid of her mother's grumbles and reproaches. Polina says that she is in love with Zhadov. The emerging Kukushkina begins to nag Yulia for the fact that Belogubov has not made an offer for a long time. It turns out that Belogubov intends to marry as soon as he gets the place of head clerk. Kukushkina is satisfied, but at the end of the conversation she says to her daughters: "Here's my advice to you: don't give indulgences to your husbands, so sharpen them every minute so that they get money."

Belogubov and Yusov arrive. Kukushkina, left alone with Yusov, asks for a place for Belogubov, he promises. Yusov warns Kukushkina about the "unreliability" and "freethinking" of Polina Zhadov's fiancé. But Kukushkina is sure that all the "vices" of Zhadov "from a single life", marries - will change. Zhadov appears, the elders leave the young people alone with the girls. Belogubov talks with Yulenka and promises that the wedding is not far off. From Polina's conversation with Zhadov, it is clear that, unlike her sister, she sincerely loves Zhadov, honestly talks about her poverty, that at home they have "everything is a lie." However, he asks Zhadov if he knows any merchants who, according to Belogubov, will give them gifts. Zhadov explains that this will not happen and that he will reveal to her "high bliss to live by one's own labor." Zhadov declares his love and asks Kukushkina for Polina's hand.

The third act takes place in a tavern, about a year later. Zhadov and his university friend Mykin enter, drink tea and ask each other about life. Mykin teaches, lives “according to his means”, this is enough for a bachelor. “It’s not a good idea for our brother to get married,” he lectures Zhadov. Zhadov justifies himself by saying that he loved Polina very much and “married for love. He took an undeveloped girl, brought up in social prejudices,” and his wife suffers from poverty, “sulks a little, and sometimes cries.” Yusov, Belogubov and two young officials appear, who came to party on the occasion of a successful business that brought a “jackpot” to Belogubov, who treats the company. He good-naturedly tries to invite “brother” Zhadov (now they are related by marriage), but he rather sharply refuses. Yusov formulates a kind of bribe-taker ethics: “Live by the law, live so that the wolves are fed and the sheep are safe.” Satisfied with his youth, Yusov starts dancing and makes a speech about his virtues: father of the family, mentor of youth, philanthropist, not forgetting the poor. Before leaving, Belogubov offers Zhadov money “in a family-like way,” but he indignantly refuses. The officials leave. Solicitor Dosuzhev sits down with Zhadov and ironically comments on the scene he saw. They are drinking. Left alone, the tipsy Zhadov begins to sing “Luchinushka,” the policeman sends him away with the words: “Please, sir! Not good, sir! Ugly, sir!”

The fourth act takes place in Zhadov’s “very poor room,” where Polina sits alone by the window, complains of boredom and begins to sing. She comes and tells how successfully things are going with her husband, how Belogubov pampers her, Yulia takes pity on Polina, scolds Zhadov, indignant that he “doesn’t know the current tone. He should know that man was created for society.” Yulia gives her sister a hat and orders her to explain to Zhadov that his wife “will not love him for nothing.” Left alone, Polina admires her sister’s intelligence and rejoices at the hat. Here comes Kukushkina. She scolds Polina for not demanding money from Zhadov, considers her daughter “shameless” because she has “all tenderness on her mind,” praises Yulia, and talks about the harm of smart people who believe that taking bribes is dishonorable. “What kind of word is bribe? They invented it themselves to offend good people. Not bribes, but gratitude!”

Zhadov appears, Kukushkina begins to scold him, and Polina agrees with her. There is a quarrel, Zhadov asks his mother-in-law to leave. He sits down to work, but Polina, remembering the lessons of her relatives, begins to nag him for the lack of money for pleasures and outfits, repeating the words of Yulia. They quarrel and Polina leaves. Zhadov feels that he is unable to part with his wife, and sends servants to catch up with Polina. The returned Polina demands that he go to his uncle to ask for a profitable place. Zhadov surrenders, sobbing, he sings the song of bribe-takers from Kapnist's comedy "Snake". The frightened Polina is ready to retreat, but Zhadov calls her to go together to Vyshnevsky.

The last action takes us back to Vyshnevsky’s house. Vyshnevskaya, alone, reads a letter from her ridiculed admirer, who tells her that, in retaliation for her behavior with him, he will forward to her husband the letters from Vyshnevskaya to the young official Lyubimov that he accidentally received. She’s not even scared, she’s going to reproach her husband for buying her from her relatives and ruining her life. At this time, Yusov appears, muttering vague phrases about the vicissitudes of fate and the destructiveness of pride. Finally it turns out that Vyshnevsky is being put on trial “for omissions” and “discovered shortcomings in the amounts,” and the cautious Yusov says that he himself “is not subject to great responsibility,” although given the current severity, he will probably be sent into retirement. Vyshnevsky appears. Angrily pushing away his wife, who is expressing compassion, he turns to Yusov: “Yusov! Why did I die?” “Vacity... fate, sir,” he replies. "Nonsense! What fate? Strong enemies are the reason!" - Vyshnevsky objects. Then he gives Vyshnevskaya the letters sent to him to Lyubimov and calls her a “depraved woman.” In an extensive monologue, Vyshnevskaya denies the accusations.

Here the Zhadovs appear. Reluctantly, Zhadov humbly asks for a profitable place for his wife. Struck Vyshnevsky shows malevolent delight at this turn of events. He and Yusov mock Zhadov and see the essence of the new generation in his fall. Zhadov came to his senses, speaks of his personal weakness and that there are honest people in any generation, promises that he will never go astray again, and, turning to his wife, he lets her go free if it is difficult for her to live in poverty, but Polina assures that she was not going to leave him, but only followed the advice of her relatives. The Zhadovs kiss and leave, Vyshnevskaya admonishes them with a wish of happiness. Yusov runs in with a message that Vyshnevsky has a stroke.

Author of the retelling: A. I. Zhuravleva

Storm. Drama (1859)

The events take place in the first half of the 19th century, in the fictional Volga town of Kalinov. The first action takes place in a public garden on the high bank of the Volga. A local self-taught mechanic, Kuligin, talks with young people - Kudryash, the clerk of the rich merchant Dikiy, and the tradesman Shapkin - about the rude antics and tyranny of Dikiy. Then Boris, Dikiy’s nephew, appears, who, in response to Kuligin’s questions, says that his parents lived in Moscow, educated him at the Commercial Academy and both died during the epidemic. He came to Dikoy, leaving his sister with his mother’s relatives, in order to receive part of his grandmother’s inheritance, which Dikoy must give to him according to the will, if Boris is respectful to him. Everyone assures him: under such conditions, Dikoy will never give him the money. Boris complains to Kuligin that he can’t get used to life in Dikiy’s house, Kuligin talks about Kalinov and ends his speech with the words: “Cruel morals, sir, in our city, cruel!”

Kalinovtsy disperse. Together with another woman, the wanderer Feklusha appears, praising the city for "blah-a-lepie", and the Kabanovs' house for their special generosity to wanderers. "Boars?" - Boris asks again: "The hypocrite, sir, clothes the poor, but completely seized the household," explains Kuligin. Kabanova comes out, accompanied by her daughter Varvara and son Tikhon with his wife Katerina. She grumbles at them, but finally leaves, allowing the children to walk along the boulevard. Varvara releases Tikhon secretly from his mother to drink at a party and, left alone with Katerina, talks with her about domestic relations, about Tikhon. Katerina talks about a happy childhood in her parents' house, about her fervent prayers, about what she experiences in the temple, imagining angels in a sunbeam falling from the dome, dreams of spreading her arms and flying, and finally admits that "something is wrong" with her something". Varvara guesses that Katerina has fallen in love with someone, and promises to arrange a meeting upon Tikhon's departure. This proposal horrifies Katerina. A crazy lady appears, threatening that "beauty leads to the very whirlpool", and prophesies hellish torments. Katerina is terribly frightened, and then the “thunderstorm comes in,” she hurries Varvara home to the icons to pray.

The second act, taking place in the Kabanovs' house, begins with a conversation between Feklushi and the maid Glasha. The wanderer asks about the Kabanovs' household affairs and conveys fabulous stories about distant countries, where people with dog heads "for infidelity", etc. Katerina and Varvara appear, preparing Tikhon for the trip, continue the conversation about Katerina's hobby, Varvara calls the name of Boris, reports He bows to him and persuades Katerina to sleep with her in the gazebo in the garden after Tikhon’s departure. Kabanikha and Tikhon come out, the mother tells her son to strictly tell his wife how to live without him, Katerina is humiliated by these formal orders. But, left alone with her husband, she begs him to take her on a trip, after his refusal she tries to give him terrible oaths of fidelity, but Tikhon does not want to listen to them: “You never know what comes to mind...” The returning Kabanikha orders Katerina to bow at my husband's feet. Tikhon leaves. Varvara, leaving for a walk, tells Katerina that they will spend the night in the garden and gives her the key to the gate. Katerina doesn’t want to take it, then, after hesitating, she puts it in her pocket.

The next action takes place on a bench at the gate of the Kabanovsky house. Feklusha and Kabanikha talk about the “last times”, Feklusha says that “for our sins” “the time has begun to come to debasement”, talks about the railway (“they began to harness the fiery serpent”), about the bustle of Moscow life as a devilish obsession. Both face even worse times. Dikoy appears with complaints about his family, Kabanikha reproaches him for his disorderly behavior, he tries to be rude to her, but she quickly stops this and takes him into the house for a drink and a snack. While Dikoy is treating himself, Boris, sent by Dikoy’s family, comes to find out where the head of the family is. Having completed the assignment, he exclaims with longing about Katerina: “If only to take a look at her with one eye!” Varvara, who has returned, tells him to come at night to the gate in the ravine behind the Kabanovsky garden.

The second scene represents the nightly festivities of young people, Varvara comes out on a date with Kudryash and tells Boris to wait - "wait for something." There is a date between Katerina and Boris. After hesitation, thoughts about sin, Katerina is unable to resist the awakened love. "What pity me - no one is to blame - she went for it herself. Don't be sorry, ruin me! Let everyone know, let everyone see what I'm doing (hugs Boris). If I'm not afraid of sin for you, will I be afraid of human court ?"

The entire fourth action, taking place on the streets of Kalinov - on the gallery of a dilapidated building with the remains of a fresco representing fiery Gehenna, and on the boulevard - takes place against the backdrop of a gathering and finally breaking thunderstorm. It begins to rain, and Dikoy and Kuligin enter the gallery, who begins to persuade Dikoy to give money to install a sundial on the boulevard. In response, Dikoy scolds him in every possible way and even threatens to declare him a robber. Having endured the abuse, Kuligin begins to ask for money for a lightning rod. At this point, Dikoy confidently declares that it is a sin to defend against a thunderstorm sent as punishment “with poles and some kind of furrows, God forgive me.” The stage empties, then Varvara and Boris meet in the gallery. She reports on Tikhon's return, Katerina's tears, Kabanikha's suspicions and expresses fear that Katerina will confess to her husband that she has cheated on her. Boris begs to dissuade Katerina from confessing and disappears. The rest of the Kabanovs enter. Katerina waits in horror that she, who has not repented of her sin, will be killed by lightning, a crazy lady appears, threatening hellish flames, Katerina can no longer stand strong and publicly confesses to her husband and mother-in-law that she “walked” with Boris. Kabanikha gloatingly declares: “What, son! Where the will leads; <...> So I waited!”

The last action is again on the high bank of the Volga. Tikhon complains to Kuligin about his family grief, about what his mother says about Katerina: "She must be buried alive in the ground so that she will be executed!" "But I love her, I'm sorry to touch her with my finger." Kuligin advises to forgive Katerina, but Tikhon explains that this is impossible under Kabanikh. He speaks not without pity about Boris, whom his uncle sends to Kyakhta. The maid Glasha enters and reports that Katerina has disappeared from the house. Tikhon is afraid that "she would kill herself out of boredom!", and together with Glasha and Kuligin leaves to look for his wife.

Katerina appears, she complains about her desperate situation in the house, and most importantly, about her terrible longing for Boris. Her monologue ends with a passionate spell: “My joy! My life, my soul, I love you! Respond!” Boris enters. She asks him to take her with him to Siberia, but understands that Boris’s refusal is due to the truly complete impossibility of leaving with her. She blesses him on his journey, complains about the oppressive life in the house, about her disgust for her husband. Having said goodbye to Boris forever, Katerina begins to dream alone about death, about a grave with flowers and birds that “will fly to the tree, sing, and have children.” "Live again?" - she exclaims with horror. Approaching the cliff, she says goodbye to the departed Boris: “My friend! My joy! Farewell!” and leaves.

The scene is filled with alarmed people, in the crowd and Tikhon with his mother. A cry is heard behind the scenes: "The woman threw herself into the water!" Tikhon tries to run to her, but his mother does not let him in with the words: "I'll curse you if you go!" Tikhon falls to his knees. After some time, Kuligin brings in Katerina's body. "Here is your Katerina. Do with her what you will! Her body is here, take it; and the soul is now not yours; it is now before a judge who is more merciful than you!"

Rushing to Katerina, Tikhon accuses his mother: "Mommy, you ruined her!" and, ignoring the menacing cries of the Kabanikh, falls on the corpse of his wife. "It's good for you, Katya! But why did I stay in the world and suffer!" - with these words of Tikhon the play ends.

Author of the retelling: A. I. Zhuravleva

Simplicity is enough for every wise man. Comedy (1868)

The action takes place in Moscow, in the first decade of the reforms of Alexander II. The first act of the play takes place in the apartment where a young man, Egor Dmitrievich Glumov, lives with his widowed mother. In it, according to the author's remark, a clean, well-furnished room.

Glumov and his mother enter the room, continuing their conversation. Glumov tells her: "I'm all about you - smart, angry and envious" and declares that from now on he will make a career through acquaintances in the world: "Epigrams aside! This kind of poetry, except for harm, brings nothing to the author. Let's get down to panegyrics! " Now Glumov will keep a diary for himself and write frankly in it what he thinks about the people whose favor he seeks.

Hussar Kurchaev, an acquaintance of Glumov, arrives, and with him Golutvin, a man with no occupation. They are going to publish a magazine and ask Glumov for his epigrams or diary, about which they have already heard something. Glumov refuses. Kurchaev, a distant relative of Glumov through the dignitary Nil Fedoseevich Mamaev, tells Glumov about Mamaev’s habit of looking at empty rental apartments and at the same time lecturing everyone, and during the conversation he sketches a caricature of Mamaev, attributing “the latest self-instruction manual.” Golutvin wants to take her. Kurchaev does not give: “After all, uncle.” She remains with Glumov. Kurchaev tells Glumov that Mamaev’s wife is “in love like a cat” with Glumov. Kurchaev and Golutvin leave.

In the subsequent conversation between Glumov and his mother, it turns out that Glumov had already bribed Mamaev's servant, and Mamaev would now arrive to look at the Glumovs' supposedly rented apartment.

A servant appears, followed by Mamaev himself. Mamaev blames the servant: why did he bring him to a residential apartment. Glumov explains that, in need of money, he wants to move from this apartment to a large one, and to puzzled questions, Mamaeva declares: "I'm stupid." He is dumbfounded at first, but quickly begins to believe that he is in front of a young man, thirsty for advice, teachings and instructions.

Glumova shows Mamaev a caricature of Kurchaev. Mamaev leaves. Manefa arrives, "a woman who divinates and divinates." Glumov receives her with feigned respect, gives her fifteen rubles, sends her away to be treated to tea and coffee, writes down the expenses in her diary: for Manefa and three rubles for Mamaev's servant. Suddenly, Kurchaev returns, whom Mamaev, who met along the way, ordered not to show himself. Kurchaev suspects Glumov of intrigue and tells him about it. They are arguing. Kurchaev leaves. "Uncle drove him away. The first step has been taken." With these words of Glumov, the first act of the comedy ends.

In Mamaev's house, the owner and Krutitsky, "an old man, a very important gentleman," complain about the perniciousness of reforms and changes and their inability to wield a pen and "modern style." Krutitsky has a work ready, written in a style "close to the style of the great Lomonosov," and Mamaev proposes to give it to Glumov for processing. Both leave. Mamaeva and Glumova appear. Glumova complains about the lack of funds. Mamaeva encourages her, promising Glumov her patronage. To Mamaev, who entered, Glumova describes her son's admiration for his mind. Mamaev, leaving, promises Glumova to give "not money, but better money: advice on how to manage the budget." Mamaeva, Glumov begins to talk about how Glumov is in love with her. Glumova leaves. Mamaeva is flirting with Glumov, who has entered.

Gorodulin arrives, "a young important gentleman." Mamaeva asks for a place for Glumov, "of course, a good one", calls Glumov and leaves him with Gorodulin. Glumov declares himself a liberal and demonstrates a eloquence that delights Gorodulin, who immediately asks to help him prepare a speech. Glumov is ready to write.

Gorodulina is replaced by Mamaev, who begins to teach Glumov how to take care of his wife. Glumov stays with Mamaeva, declares his love to her and leaves.

At the dacha of Turusina, "a rich widow, a merchant's lady", surrounded by hangers-on, fortune-tellers, wanderers, Turusina, who had just left for the city, but ordered the carriage to be turned around because of a bad omen, reprimands her companion, niece Masha, for "free-thinking" and sympathy for Kurchaev. In addition, she received two anonymous letters warning against meeting Kurchaev. Mashenka replies that she is a "Moscow young lady" and will not argue, but then let her aunt find her a groom herself. Mashenka leaves. Krutitsky, who lives next door, comes to visit. Turusina shares worries with Krutitsky: how to find a good groom for Mashenka. Krutitsky recommends Glumov and leaves. Gorodulin arrives. Like Krutitsky, he ridicules Turusina's addiction to wanderers and hangers-on and reports: one of such acquaintances of Turusina was convicted of fraud and poisoning a wealthy merchant. The same conversation is repeated with Gorodulin with the same result. Gorodulin strongly recommends Turusina Glumov. And finally, instead of Gorodulin, Manefa appears. She is a welcome guest here. She is received with honor and her speeches are heeded with trepidation. She broadcasts, accusers agree. All in unison foretell Glumov as something almost supernatural. With the appearance of Glumov with Mamaev and Turusina's promise to love him like her own son, the action ends.

Glumov brings Krutitsky a "Treatise on the dangers of reforms in general" - an adaptation of Krutitsky's thoughts. Krutitsky is pleased. "Treatise" is a sharp parody of retrograde. Glumov asks Krutitsky to be planted by his father at the wedding and goes over a little in servility, which Krutitsky notes upon his departure.

Cleopatra Lvovna Mamaeva comes to put in an additional word for Glumov. Cheered up after the departure of Glumov, the old man brings down on her archaic quotes from tragedies beloved from her youth, seeing in the aging Mamaeva almost the same age. But much more unpleasant for her is the news dropped by Krutitsky about Glumov's matchmaking with Mashenka for love. "What stung her. Go with the women. Worse than commanding a division," Krutitsky wonders, looking after her.

At home, Glumov writes down expenses and impressions in his diary and teaches his mother, who is leaving for Turusina, how to appease and reward her friends. Suddenly Mamaeva appears. This is unusual, and Glumov is on his guard. The subsequent conversation with her either confirms or reassures Glumov's fears. He begins to explain his feelings to Mamaeva, somewhat abusing eloquence, but she interrupts him with a question: "Are you getting married?" Glumov loses his head, launches into explanations, and, as it seems to him, more or less reassures Mamaeva. Call at the door. Glumov leaves.

Golutvin has arrived. Glumov, having hidden Mamaeva in the next room, receives him. It turns out that, in modern terms, he collected material on Glumov and is blackmailing him: if Glumov does not pay, Golutvin will publish a libel. Refusing Golutvin in a resolute tone, Glumov actually hesitates, not wanting trouble in view of his advantageous marriage to Mashenka. Golutvin climbs into the next room, trying to find out who is there. Glumov barely sees him off, but then decides to catch up and still pay. Mamaeva enters the room, notices the diary, reads something about herself that infuriates her, and takes her away.

At first, it seems to Glumov that he "settled everything." But after making sure that the diary was taken, he falls into despair, scolds himself: "I amused stupid anger. So he presented to the public" Notes of a scoundrel "written by him."

At the dacha, where the whole society had gathered, Kurchaev, talking with Mashenka about Glumov’s unprecedented virtues and successes, said: “If I had anyone else, I would have argued, but I have never done this before a virtuous person.” Between virtuous conversations with his future wife and mother-in-law, Glumov agrees with Gorodulin to “finish well” the treatise of Krutitsky (that is, Glumov) signed by Gorodulin and convinces Mamaeva that he is marrying for convenience. A servant brings a package handed over by someone. It contains a printed article “How to get out in public” with a portrait of Glumov and a missing diary. Mamaev reads the notes aloud, certificates of expenses for hangers-on “for seeing me in a dream,” sharp characteristics of Krutitsky, Manefa, Turusina (Turusina immediately says “I’ll drive everyone away” and gives Mashenka complete freedom of choice; apparently, her choice - Kurchaev). Glumov appears. They give him the diary and ask him to “leave unnoticed.” But Glumov has nothing to lose. “Why is it unnoticeable,” he answers and begins to denounce those present verbally. The essence of the accusations: in the published article there is nothing new for them. Krutitsky and Mamaev are not really so stupid that they really don’t feel the falseness in Glumov’s servility: it’s just convenient and pleasant for them. It’s the same with Mamaeva and Gorodulin. But both of them suddenly stop Glum’s eloquence, beginning to immediately agree with him. Glumov leaves. After a pause, everyone agrees that, after a while, we need to “caress” him again. “And I take it upon myself” - Mamaeva’s final remark.

Author of the retelling: A. I. Zhuravleva

Forest. Comedy (1871)

In the estate of Raisa Pavlovna Gurmyzhskaya, “a very rich landowner,” Bulanov, “a young man who did not finish his studies at the gymnasium,” accosts his pupil Aksyusha. Aksyusha leaves, and the footman Karp hints to Bulanov: should he pay attention to the lady herself. At this time, Gurmyzhskaya herself appears and along with her “rich landowner neighbors”: retired cavalryman Bodaev and Milonov. The hostess says that she wants to do “three good deeds at once” - marry Aksyusha to Bulanov and take care of her late husband’s nephew; She has not seen him for fifteen years, and he is her only relative and legal heir. He sends her small gifts from all over Russia, but where he is, what’s wrong with him is unknown.

The merchant Vosmibratov came to buy the forest and marry his son Peter to Aksyusha. However, he “did not take the money for the forest he had already purchased.” Gurmyzhskaya refuses: “There is already a groom, he lives in the house. Maybe they are talking some nonsense in the city, so you know: this is the groom.” “You’re only making a fool of your father. Wait a minute with me!” - the merchant threatens his son. But the forest was bought at a profit. This time, as if by chance, the merchant does not leave a receipt. Father and son leave. Karp brings Aksyusha and Julitta. Trying to humiliate Aksyusha, Raisa Pavlovna tells her to play the role of Bulanov’s bride: “I need it that way.” But the contempt shown by Aksyusha to Bulanov infuriates her. She asks Julitta about them, she pleases her: “She is very affectionate towards him, but he seems to be so... ...I don’t want him.”

Peter and Aksyusha meet in the forest. They love each other, but Peter's father does not want to hear about his daughter-in-law without a dowry. They are going away. Schastlivtsev and Neschastlivtsev, two familiar actors, appear from different sides: a comedian and a tragedian. They meet by chance on the way, one from Vologda to Kerch, the other from Kerch to Vologda. And now they tell each other that there is no troupe either in Kerch or Vologda, there is nowhere to play. Both are walking, without money. In Gennady Demyanovich Neschastlivtsev’s backpack there is “a good pair of dresses,” “a folding hat,” something else, and a broken pistol. Arkady Schastlivtsev has all his property - a bundle on a stick and the “lightest” coat, and in the bundle there is a “library”, “thirty plays”, and fake orders. “And you got all this?” (meaning stole, pulled). “And I don’t consider it a sin: the salary is withheld.” They dream of their own troupe: “If only we could find a dramatic actress, young, good <...> If a woman throws herself headlong into the pool out of love - here’s an actress. Yes, so that I can see for myself, otherwise I won’t believe it. I’ll pull you out of the pool, then I'll believe you. Well, I see, let's go." "Where?" - asks Arkady. And he reads the inscription: “To the estate “Penki” of Mrs. Gurmyzhskaya.” They “slowly leave.” In the morning, in the garden of the estate, Gurmyzhskaya, flirting with Bulanov, tells him a dream that her nephew “came and killed you with a pistol in front of my eyes.” She is concerned: “...And suddenly he will appear! <...> I will have to give him some part too! And I will have to take it away from the one I love.” They decide it’s better not to talk about their nephew. Karp comes in and reports: the samovar is ready, and at night “the master has arrived.” And with the words “Don’t believe in dreams,” Gurmyzhskaya and Bulanov leave to drink tea.

Actors enter. Neschastvitsev, "dressed very decently," decides Arkady, who is in his "former costume," to declare here his lackey, and himself a retired officer.

Vosmibratov and Peter arrive. Karp does not want to report them to the lady: “...Busy with the colonel. Their nephew has arrived.” "Colonel?" "Of course, Colonel." The merchants are leaving.

Bulanov is frank with Neschastvittsev: "Mother says that my mind is not like that, not for learning, sir." "Which one?" "Practical-s". "Well, thank the creator that at least" some "is. And it often happens that there is none." "Yes, and that's nothing, sir. There would only be more land, but understand your interest, landowner; otherwise you can live without a mind, sir!" "Yes, you, brother, well done at all!" The actor exclaims when Bulanov asks to teach him card "volts" in order to cheat.

The guests were accommodated in the gazebo. And when Neschastlivtsev goes there with Bulanov, Vosmibratov immediately appears to Gurmyzhskaya and deceives her in the simplest way, taking the receipt, not giving her a thousand rubles and hinting at an unsuccessful matchmaking. “Daytime robbery,” says Raisa Pavlovna and shares the trouble with Bulanov, who has entered. Neschastlivtsev is with him. He, in response to Gurmyzhskaya’s words: “Now there’s nothing to do,” according to the stage directions, “heatedly” exclaims: “What’s there to do? Turn him back! (Raising his eyes to the sky.) What will I do with him! God, what will I do with him! <.. .> Arkashka, give me my orders!"

Vosmibratov and his son are brought in, and the tragedian uses the loudest words to portray the formidable gentleman. The hostess is frightened, merchants - not very much. But in the end, the actor manages to offend the "honor" of the merchant, and he gives the money back.

"Here is your money, get it," says Neschastlivtsev Gurmyzhskaya. ("Goes to the side and stands, folds his arms and later his head.") Gurmyzhskaya thanks and says that she owes him "exactly this amount" (which was discussed even before he arrived at the estate). The actor replies: “I don’t believe it,” he says flowery phrases about the delicacy, nobility of Gurmyzhskaya, and with tears and the words: “Enough favors! Enough caresses! I will become an idolater, I will pray for you!”, - covers his face with his hands and leaves. Outraged, Arkady hides in the bushes and watches as Gurmyzhskaya, laughing at Neschastlivtsev, gives the money to Bulanov.

And at night, in another part of the garden, he boasts to Neschastlivtsev: “A smart person will not disappear anywhere.” "Smart? Who are you talking about?" "About myself, sir." “Well, who told you that you are smart? Don’t believe it, brother, you were deceived.” But Arkady is quite pleased with himself: he ate dinner from the master’s table, “said that he was accustomed to this from you,” “got along with the housekeeper and on this occasion <...> borrowed money from her, and I also have a bottle of liqueur in the corner next to the bed, like wax." And he reproaches his comrade: “You say that you are smart, but the high school student is apparently smarter: he plays a better role here than you.” “What role, brother? Well, what is he? A boy, nothing more.” "What role? First lover, sir." "Lover? Whose?" “Your aunty! <...> He’s playing a lover, and you’re... a simpleton!” Arkady says his last words “from behind a bush,” fleeing from the now seriously enraged tragic man. Arkady runs away, but the job is done. “He lied, he lied shamelessly,” the tragedian begins the monologue. And he continues: “But if my pious aunt...”, ending like this: “Laugh at the feeling, at the warm tears of the artist! No, the Unfortunate does not forgive such an insult!”

Karp, Ulita, then Arkady appear. Karp teases a snail, who apparently came on a date; gossiping about the ruinous novels of the lady: he himself carried money to the post office to a French doctor, a topographer, some Italian. Julitta gasps, and left with Arkady, begins to pour out her soul to him, complaining about her dependent position. Arkady is afraid of Neschastlivtsev, who wanders around the garden, and blurts out to Julitta with annoyance that he is not an officer, he himself is not his servant, both are actors "and both are drunkards."

Peter and Aksinya come to the garden. Vosmibratov’s father again scolded his son for an hour, but now he agrees to take a dowry of two thousand - but no less. The couple comes to the idea of ​​asking money “from their brother, from Gennady Demyanovich” - there is no one else. Meanwhile, Aksinya begins to despair: “Everything is drawn into the water, <...> I keep looking at the lake.” Peter is frightened, she calms him down, he leaves, and Aksinya suddenly meets with Neschastlivtsev. He is in some ecstasy and acts in front of himself and Aksinya: “Woman, beautiful woman... Are you a woman or a shadow?.. Ah! I see that you are a woman. And on this beautiful night I would like to talk with the inhabitants of the afterlife... "They took a lot of secrets, a lot of suffering with them to the grave. My soul is gloomy, I don't need the living... Get away!" “Brother, I have suffered and am suffering a lot.” Aksyusha’s lively, completely open speech suddenly falls into the tone of Neschastlivtsev’s affectation - he apparently inspires complete trust in Aksyusha - and most importantly, both have their own misfortunes. They immediately become clear: to a desperate request for two thousand, the actor can only answer: “Forgive me, forgive me! I’m poorer than you <...> it’s not for you to ask me for money, and don’t refuse me a copper coin when I knock.” "under your window and ask you to get a hangover. I'll have a penny, a penny! That's who I am." Here the tragic pathos fully corresponds to reality: Aksinya runs to the lake. Behind her, Neschastlivtsev shouted: “No, no, e! It’s too early for you to die!” With the words: “Well, he ran away somewhere. Shouldn’t he drown himself? That would be good. That’s where he belongs...” - Arkady goes to the gazebo.

While getting ready to leave, he runs into a friend and the girl he saved. The tragedian is at the peak of spiritual elation: everything seems to follow his tone, words, declamations: a woman threw herself into the water out of love before his eyes. And he convinces Aksyusha to become an actress: literally, now to join his troupe. Desperate, half-bewitched, Aksyusha seems to agree: “It can’t get any worse. <...> As you wish. I’m ready for anything.” “I have several roles, I will read them to you. <...> This night I initiate you into an actress. <...> Stop, fugitive! I am generous, I forgive you. Triumph, Arkashka! We have an actress; You and I will visit all the theaters and surprise all of Russia."

The three of them go into the arbor, they are replaced by Raisa Pavlovna with a snail, she conveys the news to the mistress; The turn of events suits her.

Julitta invites Bulanov and disappears. Raisa Pavlovna recklessly flirts with Bulanov, demanding that he guess what she loves. And when, hearing: “You, fool! You!”, he muttered: “Yes, sir <...> If only you had... That’s better, Raisinka! Long ago you..." goes in for a kiss, pushes him away: “Are you crazy? Go away! You ignoramus, scoundrel, boy!” and leaves. Bulanov is horrified. “What a foolish thing have I done! Tomorrow I’ll be... Out of here <...> Three necks! Guilty, sir! <...> Gone, gone, gone!”

But Bulanov did not disappear. The next morning in the hall he swaggers over Karp: “I won’t tolerate disorder in the house! I’m not Raisa Pavlovna...” Karp leaves with a maliciously emphasized humility. "Hello, Mr. Neschastlivtsev!" - Bulanov greets the actor. "Do you know that I am Neschastlivtsev?" "I know". "I'm very glad, brother. So you know who you're dealing with, and you'll behave carefully and respectfully." Bulanov is clearly afraid of the actor, and he aptly mocks him; but still, now he has to leave, since such is the will of the mistress. As he leaves, he notices a money box accidentally left on the table.

Gurmyzhskaya enters. Bulanov is on friendly terms with her, he is making plans. It’s a pity for Aksyusha’s dowry. Raisa Pavlovna and Bulanov are in difficulty, and then Aksyusha herself enters. Bulanov is sent away, and Gurmyzhskaya starts talking with Aksyusha about him. They only lead to an exchange of barbs not in favor of the hostess, and in the end she admits that she is jealous of Bulanov for Aksyusha. When Aksyusha says that she herself decided to leave Penki, Raisa Pavlovna is almost touched. Aksyusha is replaced by Neschastlivtsev, and very decisively. “They don’t listen to any reason,” says Karp. The actor sends him away: “Don’t let anyone in.” He's in his traveling suit. He takes the bell from the lady and puts the pistol near the box. “Don’t be afraid, we will talk very peacefully, even kindly. You know what? Give me it (the box) as a souvenir.” “Oh, you can’t, my friend, there are important papers here, documents on the estate.” "You're wrong, there's money here." So, by intimidating, the actor manages to persuade Raisa Pavlovna to give him money from the box. As a result, Gurmyzhskaya gives the thousand she owes (which she admits) and says that she “isn’t angry” - otherwise the tragic man threatens to shoot himself right there. The actor orders a threesome, anticipates lucrative contracts and benefit performances. Arkady is delighted. Guests are gathering in the house. Aksyusha is looking for Peter: to say goodbye. It turns out that the father’s last condition was: “At least they gave a thousand for you, you fool.” Aksyusha rushes to the tragedian: “Ask auntie, <...> now you only need a thousand rubles, only a thousand.” “What about an actress, my child? With your feeling...” “Brother... feeling... I need it at home.” And the actor, with the words “Let me inspire myself well...” goes to the dining room.

Milonov, Bodaev, the hostess and Bulanov enter, and the reason for the celebration becomes clear: Gurmyzhskaya is marrying Bulanov. Neschastlivtsev appears. At the door are the Vosmibratovs, Aksyusha, Arkady. "Auntie, are you happy?" - asks Neschastlivtsev and convinces her to do a good deed - to arrange the happiness of her niece with a small amount for herself: Gurmyzhskaya refuses. Bulanov agrees with her. And the actor, to Arkady’s horror, gives the money to Aksyusha. Vosmibratov takes them and counts them. Aksyusha warmly thanks Neschastlivtsev. Milonov wants to “publish his deed in the newspapers,” and Bodaev invites him to come to him, but they refuse to have a drink with the actor. “It seems you are planning to go,” reminds Bulanov. “And in fact, brother Arkady, <...> how did we end up in this dense forest? Everything is in order here, as it should be in the forest. Old women marry high school students, young girls drown themselves from bitter life with their relatives : forest, brother,” says the tragedian. “Comedians,” Raisa Pavlovna shrugs. "Comedians? No, we are artists, and you are comedians. <...> What did you do? Who did you feed? Who did you comfort? <...> A girl runs to drown herself, who pushes her into the water? Aunt. Who saves? Actor Neschastlivtsev "People, people! The spawn of crocodiles!" And the actor reads Karl Moor's monologue from "The Robbers", ending with the words: "Oh, if only I could infuriate all the bloodthirsty inhabitants of the forests against this hellish generation!" "But excuse me, you can be held accountable for these words!" “Yes, just to the police officer. We are all witnesses!” Milonov and Bulanov respond.

“Me? You’re mistaken. Censored. Look: “approved for presentation.” Oh, you malignant man! Where can you talk to me! I feel and speak like Schiller, and you like a clerk. Well, that’s enough. On the road, Arkashka . <...> Listen, Karp! If the troika arrives, you return it, brother, to the city, and say that the gentlemen have gone on foot. Hand, comrade! " (Gives his hand to Schastlivtsev and slowly walks away.)"

Author of the retelling: A. I. Zhuravleva

Snow Maiden. A spring tale in four acts with a prologue. Fairytale Play (1873)

The action takes place in the country of the Berendeys in mythical times. The end of winter comes - the goblin hides in a hollow. Spring flies to Krasnaya Gorka near Berendeyev Posad, the capital of Tsar Berendey, and with it the birds return: cranes, swans - Spring's retinue. The land of the Berendeys greets Spring with cold, and all because of Spring’s flirtations with Frost, the old grandfather, Spring herself admits. Their daughter was born - Snegurochka. Spring is afraid to quarrel with Frost for the sake of her daughter and is forced to endure everything. The “jealous” Sun itself is angry. That’s why Spring calls all the birds to warm themselves up by dancing, just as people themselves do in the cold. But just when the fun begins - the choirs of birds and their dances - a blizzard rises. Spring hides birds in the bushes until the new morning and promises to warm them up. Meanwhile, Frost comes out of the forest and reminds Vesna that they have a common child. Each of the parents takes care of the Snow Maiden in their own way. Frost wants to hide her in the forest so that she can live among obedient animals in a forest chamber. Spring wants a different future for her daughter: for her to live among people, among cheerful friends and boys playing and dancing until midnight. A peaceful meeting turns into an argument. Frost knows that the sun god of the Berendeys, the hot-tempered Yarilo, has vowed to destroy the Snow Maiden. As soon as the fire of love is lit in her heart, it will melt it. Spring doesn't believe it. After a quarrel, Moroz offers to give their daughter to be raised by the childless Bobyl in the settlement, where the boys are unlikely to pay attention to their Snow Maiden. Spring agrees.

Frost calls the Snow Maiden out of the forest and asks if she wants to live with people. The Snow Maiden admits that she has long yearned for girlish songs and round dances, that she likes the songs of the young shepherd Lel. This especially frightens the father, and he punishes the Snow Maiden more than anything in the world to beware of Lel, in whom the "scorching rays" of the Sun live. Parting with his daughter, Frost entrusts the care of her to his "leshutki" forest. And, finally, gives way to Spring. Folk festivities begin - seeing off Maslenitsa. The Berendeys greet the arrival of Spring with songs.

Bobyl went to the forest for firewood and sees the Snow Maiden dressed like a hawthorn. She wanted to stay with Bobyl with Bobyl's adopted daughter.

It is not easy for the Snow Maiden to live with Bobyl and Bobylikha: the named parents are angry that she, with her excessive shyness and modesty, has discouraged all the suitors and they cannot get rich with the help of a profitable marriage of their adopted daughter.

Lel comes to the Bobyls to wait, because they alone, for the money collected by other families, are ready to let him into the house. The rest are afraid that their wives and daughters will not resist Lel's charm. The Snow Maiden does not understand Lel's requests for a kiss for a song, for a flower gift. She picks off the flower with surprise and gives it to Lelya, but he, having sung a song and seeing other girls calling him, throws the already wilted flower of the Snow Maiden and runs away to new amusements. Many girls quarrel with guys who are inattentive to them because of their passion for the beauty of the Snow Maiden. Only Kupava, the daughter of the wealthy Slobozhan Murash, is affectionate towards the Snow Maiden. She informs her of her happiness: a wealthy merchant guest from the royal settlement Mizgir has engaged to her. Then Mizgir himself appears with two bags of gifts - a bride price for girls and guys. Kupava, together with Mizgir, approaches the Snow Maiden, who is spinning in front of the house, and calls her for the last time to lead the girl's round dances. But when he saw the Snow Maiden, Mizgir fell passionately in love with her and rejected Kupava. He orders to carry his treasury to Bobyl's house. The Snow Maiden resists these changes, not wishing harm to Kupava, but the bribed Bobyl and Bobylikha force the Snow Maiden to even drive Lel away, which is demanded by Mizgir. The shocked Kupava asks Mizgir about the reasons for his betrayal and hears in response that the Snow Maiden won his heart with her modesty and bashfulness, and Kupava's courage now seems to him a harbinger of future betrayal. The offended Kupava asks for protection from the Berendeys and sends curses to Mizgir. She wants to drown herself, but Lel stops her, and she falls unconscious into his arms.

In the chambers of Tsar Berendey, a conversation takes place between him and his close associate Bermyata about the troubles in the kingdom: for fifteen years now Yarilo has been unkind to the Berendeys, the winters are getting colder, the springs are getting colder, and in some places there is snow in the summer. Berendey is sure that Yarilo is angry with the Berendeys for cooling their hearts, for “cold feelings.” To quench the Sun’s anger, Berendey decides to appease him with a sacrifice: on Yarilin’s day, the next day, to tie together as many brides and grooms as possible in marriage. However, Bermyata reports that because of some Snow Maiden who showed up in the settlement, all the girls quarreled with the guys and it is impossible to find brides and grooms for marriage. Then Kupava, abandoned by Mizgir, runs in and cries out all her grief to the king. The king orders to find Mizgir and convene the Berendeys for trial. Mizgir is brought in, and Berendey asks Bermyata how to punish him for cheating on his bride. Bermyata offers to force Mizgir to marry Kupava. But Mizgir boldly objects that his bride is the Snow Maiden. Kupava also does not want to marry a traitor. The Berendeys do not have the death penalty, and Mizgir is sentenced to exile. Mizgir only asks the king to look at the Snow Maiden himself. Seeing the Snow Maiden come with Bobyl and Bobylikha, the Tsar is amazed by her beauty and tenderness and wants to find a worthy husband for her: such a “sacrifice” will certainly appease Yarila. The Snow Maiden admits that her heart does not know love. The king turns to his wife for advice. Elena the Beautiful says that the only one who can melt the Snow Maiden’s heart is Lel. Lel calls the Snow Maiden to make wreaths before the morning sun and promises that by morning love will awaken in her heart. But Mizgir does not want to give up the Snow Maiden to her opponent and asks permission to enter into the fight for the Snow Maiden’s heart. Berendey allows and is confident that at dawn the Berendeys will joyfully meet the Sun, which will accept their atoning “sacrifice.” The people glorify the wisdom of their king Berendey.

At dawn, girls and boys begin to dance in circles, in the center are the Snow Maiden and Lel, while Mizgir appears and disappears in the forest. Admired by Lelya's singing, the king invites him to choose a girl who will reward him with a kiss. The Snow Maiden wants Lel to choose her, but Lel chooses Kupava. Other girls make peace with their loved ones, forgiving them of their past infidelities. Lel is looking for Kupava, who has gone home with her father, and meets the crying Snow Maiden, but he does not feel sorry for her for these “jealous tears” caused not by love, but by envy of Kupava. He tells her about secret lovemaking, which is more valuable than a public kiss, and only for true love is he ready to take her to meet the Sun in the morning. Lel reminds how he cried when Snegurochka did not respond to his love before, and goes to the guys, leaving Snegurochka to wait. And yet, in the heart of the Snow Maiden, there is still no love, but only pride that Lel will lead her to meet Yarila.

But then Mizgir finds the Snow Maiden, he pours out his soul to her, full of burning, real male passion. He, who never prayed for love from girls, falls on his knees before her. But the Snow Maiden is afraid of his passion, and the threats to avenge the humiliation are also terrible. She also rejects the priceless pearl with which Mizgir tries to buy her love, and says that she will exchange her love for Lel's love. Then Mizgir wants to get the Snow Maiden by force. She calls Lelya, but "leshutki" come to her aid, whom Father Frost instructed to take care of her daughter. They take Mizgir into the forest, beckoning him with the ghost of the Snow Maiden, and he wanders all night in the forest, hoping to overtake the Snow Maiden-ghost.

Meanwhile, even the heart of the tsar's wife was melted by Lel's songs. But the shepherd deftly dodges both from Elena the Beautiful, leaving her in the care of Bermyata, and from the Snow Maiden, from whom he runs away when he sees Kupava. It was this kind of reckless and ardent love that his heart was waiting for, and he advises the Snow Maiden to "eavesdrop" on Kupavina's hot speeches in order to learn to love. The Snow Maiden, in her last hope, runs to Mother Spring and asks her to teach her real feelings. On the last day, when Spring can fulfill her daughter's request, since the next day Yarilo and Summer come into their own, Spring, rising from the water of the lake, reminds the Snow Maiden of her father's warning. But the Snow Maiden is ready to give her life for a moment of true love. Her mother puts on her a magic wreath of flowers and herbs and promises that she will love the first young man she meets. The Snow Maiden meets Mizgir and responds to his passion. The immensely happy Mizgir does not believe in danger and considers the desire of the Snow Maiden to hide from Yarila's rays as an empty fear. He solemnly leads the bride to Yarilina Gora, where all the Berendeys have gathered. At the first rays of the sun, the Snow Maiden melts, blessing the love that brings death to her. It seems to Mizgir that the Snow Maiden deceived him, that the gods mocked him, and in despair he rushes from Yarilina Mountain into the lake. “The Snow Maiden’s sad death and the terrible death of Mizgir cannot disturb us,” the tsar says, and all the Berendeys hope that Yarila’s anger will now go out, that he will give the Berendeys strength, harvest, life.

Author of the retelling: E. P. Sudareva

Wolves and sheep. Comedy (1875)

In the morning, artisans gathered at the house of Meropia Davydovna Murzavetskaya, “a girl of about sixty <...> who has great power in the province” - she owed them a debt. Chugunov, a former member of the district court, approaches. Murzavetskaya is a hypocrite and slanderer, Chugunov manages her affairs and manages the estate of the rich widow Kupavina, unscrupulously making money. The hostess arrives and goes into the house with her dependents and her poor relative Glafira. The butler Pavlin tells Chugunov that Murzavetskaya’s nephew Apollo, whom she wants to marry Kupavina, is a drunkard, “they’re ashamed in the city, so they’ll take a gun as if they were hunting, and in Razzoricha they’ll spend their lives in a tavern. And the tavern is the trashiest, <...> the sign says “Here he is!”

From there they bring Murzavetsky: “hand to hand.” He tries to woo Glafira, begs for a drink from Peacock, and after drinking, he is immediately rude. He doesn’t listen to his aunt’s suggestions and is completely occupied with the dog Tamerlan, who is called “wolf cutlet” - “for his stupidity.” Murzavetskaya sends Apollo to bed: “We’ll go to the bride in the evening” and sends for Chugunov. She spreads rumors around the province that Kupavina’s late husband owes something to Murzavetsky’s late father: just in case, so that Kupavina would be more accommodating. Chugunov is ready to forge a promissory note. She allegedly cannot find Kupavina’s letter, where he promises her a thousand “for the poor.” Chugunov heard this, the “letter” is already ready; the work, as he boasts, of his nephew, Goretsky. Lynyaev, “a rich, overweight gentleman of about fifty, an honorary justice of the peace,” arrives with Anfusa Tikhonovna, Kupavina’s aunt. He says that “there was some kind of quarrel <...>, slander, and the most malicious ones, and forgeries began to take their toll.” “God grant our calf and wolf to catch,” Meropia Davydovna says sarcastically.

Kupavina brings the very thousand that her husband supposedly promised to Murzavetskaya. With a part of this money, Meropia Davydovna pays off her creditors. And he "gives obedience" to Glafira: to go visit Kupavina and prevent her from getting closer to Lynyaev.

In Kupavina's house, the hostess signs Chugunov's blank bill of exchange with such confidence and ignorance that he sheds a tear. He is replaced by Lynyaev. He brought a letter from an old acquaintance of Berkutov, who is about to arrive. Learning about the thousand and the "debts", Lynyaev is indignant: Kupavin "could not stand Murzavetskaya and called her a hypocrite." Kupavina shows the letter. Lynyaev: "Do whatever you want with me, but this is a forgery. Who works for her these things?" He tries to explain to Kupavina what it means to sign a bill of exchange. Murzavetskaya arrives. Lynyaev goes into the garden.

Murzavetskaya brings her nephew and Glafira. She tries to intimidate Kupavina: Apollo is here "for his blood business," "this business cries out to God," but does not explain what it is. Kupavina enters, and Murzavetskaya leaves her with Apollo. The widow is extremely compliant and wants to listen to all the claims against herself, but all the claims of the drunkard Apollo are fully satisfied by five rubles from Kupavina, who, having got rid of him, hurries "to the ladies." The Murzavetskys are leaving.

Kupavina stays with Glafira, who has serious views on the rich Lynyaev, and as soon as she finds out that Kupavina is not interested in him, she instantly transforms before her eyes from a girl for "obedience" into a spectacular person, ready, apparently, for anything.

At the fence of Kupavina's garden, Goretsky, extorting money from Chugunov, says: "If they give you more, I'll sell you, you know that." They are going away.

Kupavina, Glafira, Anfusa, Lynyaev go for a walk. Lynyaev is too lazy to go far, he stays. Glafira is with him: "My head is spinning from the noise." And immediately begins to court Lynyaev, allegedly frankly: "there is no way to get carried away with you." Lynyaev, who kept saying: "I'm afraid they'll get married," but he was hurt; Glafira also reports that she is going to the monastery and wants to "leave a good memory." Lynyaev asks for a "little favor" - to find a "good scribe". Glafira immediately understood: it was about Goretsky. Turns out he writes love letters to her. And she will immediately bring him to Lynyaeva, and let him pretend to be in love with her for the evening. "It's hard, but there's nothing to do," says Lynyaev.

From the festivities, fleeing the harassment of the drunken Murzavetsky, they rush to the house of Anfus and Kupavin. Lynyaev drives him away. He leaves, threatening to "rob": "But it's a pity for Madame Kupavina, she will cry. Aurevvoir."

Glafira and Goretsky are walking, and Lynyaev "outbids" Goretsky, who confesses that he wrote a forged letter.

Glafira reminds Lynyaev of his promise. And she tells how she could force him to marry her, or rather, she plays out her story with him; Lynyaev is clearly taken aback.

The next morning, Kupavina and Glafira are waiting for the arrival of Lynyaev and Berkutov. Glafira is preoccupied - Lynyaev is in no hurry to explain, and Murzavetskaya is about to send for her. A footman enters: a letter and a tarantass from her. Kupavina reads the letter and is at a loss: “Yesterday you did not want to accept my nephew. <...> I will collect from you a very large sum, which your entire estate is not worth, I will carry out with all severity and I will not spare you <...> will". Lynyaev and Berkutov arrive. And while the ladies are changing clothes, they are having a serious conversation. Berkutov asks Lynyaev not to interfere in Kupavina’s affairs and says that he came to marry her.

Kupavina and Berkutov greet. Murzavetskaya sent for Glafira; Lynyaev finds out about this with feigned indifference and goes for a walk in the garden, otherwise he tends to "sleep." Berkutov announces to Kupavina that he has come on business; and after listening to Kupavina's story, he assesses her position as "unenviable".

Goretsky asks Berkutov. He has already returned Lynyaev his fifteen rubles, tomorrow he will receive fifty from Berkutov and will go to Vologda to survey his estate. Berkutov ends his conversation with Kupavina with the advice to marry Murzavetsky. Lynyaev enters: "He walked and walked around the garden, even worse - he tends to sleep." They leave him on the sofa and leave to write a letter to Murzavetskaya. Glafira, coming out from behind the curtain, rushes to him, hugs him and plays out a scene of passionate love as loudly as possible. Lynyaev is simply helpless. In the end, Kupavina, Berkutov and a footman appear: "Glafira Alekseevna, the horses are ready." But it's too late. Murzavetskaya's horses are no longer scary. "Ah, and people are here! What have you done to me? What is Meropia Davydovna now?" Glafira speaks after Lynyaev said: "Well, I'm getting married."

In Murzavetskaya’s house, Chugunov incites the already extremely angry housewife to revenge in every possible way. Chugunov’s goal is to induce Meropa Davydovna to give in to his fakes. Another one is supposedly a letter from Kupavin to Apollo acknowledging the “debt” - attached to the “bill.” Chugunov also shows the technique of the matter - an old book, in which the document immediately fades. The whole question is to “scare” or to give full play?

Berkutov comes and says pleasantries: he brought books of “spiritual content” to Meropia Davydovna, he wants to run for office and is counting on support and advice. He bows and realizes: there is also a “small request,” “an order from my neighbor, Evlampia Nikolaevna.” The conversation quickly changes character. “What scoundrels they are, what are they doing to you!” - “Who is this, who?” - “Your nephew, Apollo, and company.” - “Don’t forget, dear sir!” - “What are they? They have nothing to lose. And to see such a respectable lady in the dock! <...> It will reach the prosecutor, the investigation will begin. The main culprit, Goretsky, is not hiding anything. <...> False promissory notes have been written <.. .> I suspect your nephew, it’s not you to suspect, really!” - “No, no, not me, not me!”

And, having asked to call Chugunov, Berkutov gets down to business like this: “They are talking about the Siberian railway <...>, and if there are no physical obstacles, mountains, for example...” - “There are no obstacles or mountains, sir, a flat province. Just what are we going to deliver to Siberia, what products?” - “There are food items, Vukol Naumych!” “Products” for Siberia are Vukol Naumych and company. Chugunov thanks for the warning and goes to destroy the evidence. But Berkutov stops him: he should also get something for his work, and Kupavina should get a little lesson. And Chugunov leaves, everyone is obliged.

Then Kupavina’s matchmaking plays out without a hitch, and then the triumph of Glafira, who came for a visit to show that “Michelle” is completely under her thumb. The comedy of the scene cannot be summarized. “Yes, there are wolves and sheep in the world,” says Lynyaev. The future Berkutovs go to St. Petersburg for the winter, the Lynyaevs to Paris. After they leave, Chugunov says to Meropia Davydovna: “Why did Lynyaev call us wolves? <...> We are chickens, pigeons. <...> Here they are, wolves! These ones swallow a lot at once.” Murzavetsky's cries are heard: “The wolves ate Tamerlane!” “Why Tamerlan,” Chugunov consoles him, “here, just now, the wolves ate “your bride and dowry” and Lynyaev. And your auntie and I barely survived. This will be more strange.”

Author of the retelling: A. I. Zhuravleva

Dowryless. Drama (1879)

The action takes place in a large fictional city on the Volga - Bryakhimov. An open area near a coffee shop on Privolzhsky Boulevard. Knurov ("one of the big businessmen of recent times, an elderly man with a huge fortune", as it is said about him in the remark) and Vozhevatov ("a very young man, one of the representatives of a wealthy trading company, a European in costume), having ordered champagne in a tea set, they begin discuss the news: a well-known beauty without a dowry Larisa Ogudalova marries a poor official Karandyshev. Vozhevatov explains the modest marriage with the desire of Larisa, who experienced a strong passion for the "brilliant master" Paratov, who turned her head, beat off all the suitors and suddenly left. After the scandal, when the next the groom for embezzlement was arrested right in the Ogudalovs' house, Larisa announced that she would marry the first who would marry, and Karandyshev, an old and unsuccessful admirer, "and right there. "Vozhevatov reports that he is waiting for Paratov, who sold him his steamer "Swallow", which causes joyful animation of the owner of the coffee house.The best quadruple in the city with the owner on the goats and gypsies in full dress galloped to the pier.

The Ogudalovs appear with the Karandyshevs. Ogudalova is treated to tea, Karandyshev puts on airs and, as an equal, turns to Knurov with an invitation to dinner. Ogudalova explains that the dinner is in honor of Larisa, and she joins the invitation. Karandyshev reprimands Larisa for being familiar with Vozhevatov, several times condemningly mentions the Ogudalovs' house, which offends Larisa. The conversation turns to Paratov, to whom Karandyshev treats with envious hostility, and Larisa - with delight. She is outraged by the groom's attempts to compare herself with Paratov, she declares: "Sergei Sergeyich is the ideal of a man." During the conversation, cannon shots are heard, Larisa gets scared, but Karandyshev explains: "Some tyrant merchant gets off his barge," meanwhile, from the conversation between Vozhevatov and Knurov, it is known that the firing was in honor of Paratov's arrival. Larisa and her fiancé leave.

Paratov appears accompanied by the provincial actor Arkady Schastlivtsev, whom Paratov calls Robinson, because he removed him from a desert island, where Robinson was landed for rowdy behavior. To Knurov’s question whether he would be sorry to sell “Swallow,” Paratov replies: “I don’t know what “sorry” is. <...> I’ll find a profit, so I’ll sell everything, whatever,” and after this he reports, that he was marrying a bride with gold mines, he came to say goodbye to his bachelor’s will. Paratov invites him to a men’s picnic across the Volga, makes a rich order for the restaurateur and invites him to dine in the meantime. Knurov and Vozhevatov regretfully refuse, saying that they are having dinner with Larisa’s fiancé.

The second act takes place in the Ogudalovs' house, the main feature of the living room is a piano with a guitar on it. Knurov arrives and reproaches Ogudalova that she gives Larisa for a poor man, predicts that Larisa will not be able to endure a miserable semi-petty-bourgeois life and will probably return to her mother. Then they will need a solid and rich "friend" and offer themselves to such "friends". After that, he asks Ogudalova, without stint, to order a dowry and a wedding toilet for Larisa, and send the bills to him. And leaves. Larisa appears, tells her mother that she wants to leave for the village as soon as possible. Ogudalova paints village life in gloomy colors. Larisa plays the guitar and sings the romance "Do not tempt me unnecessarily", but the guitar is out of tune. Seeing the owner of the gypsy choir Ilya through the window, she calls him to fix the guitar. Ilya says that the gentleman is coming, which "we have been waiting for all year", and runs away at the call of other gypsies who announced the arrival of a long-awaited client. Ogudalova worries: did they hurry up with the wedding and did they miss a more profitable game? Karandyshev appears, whom Larisa asks to leave for the village as soon as possible. But he does not want to rush to "magnify" (the expression of Ogudalova) Larisa, to satisfy his vanity, which has suffered for so long from neglect of him, Karandyshev. Larisa reproaches him for this, not at all hiding the fact that she does not love him, but only hopes to love him. Karandyshev scolds the city for its attention to the depraved, squandered reveler, whose arrival has driven everyone crazy: restaurateurs and sex workers, cabbies, gypsies and townspeople in general, and when asked who it is, he angrily throws: "Your Sergey Sergeyevich Paratov" and, looking into window, says that he came to the Ogudalovs. Frightened, Larisa leaves with her fiancé to other chambers.

Ogudalova affectionately and familiarly receives Paratov, asks why he suddenly disappeared from the city, finds out that he went to save the remnants of the estate, and now he is forced to marry a bride with half a million dowry. Ogudalova calls Larisa, between her and Paratov there is an explanation in private. Paratov reproaches Larisa that she soon forgot him, Larisa admits that she continues to love him and is getting married in order to get rid of the humiliation in front of "impossible suitors". Paratov's pride is satisfied. Ogudalova introduces him to Karandyshev, a quarrel occurs between them, as Paratov seeks to offend and humiliate Larisa's fiancé. Ogudalova settles the scandal and forces Karandyshev to invite Paratov to dinner as well. Vozhevatov appears, accompanied by Robinson, posing as an Englishman, and introduces him to those present, including Paratov, who himself recently gave Robinson to him. Vozhevatov and Paratov conspire to have fun at Karandyshev's dinner.

The third act is in Karandyshev's office, poorly and tastelessly decorated, but with great pretensions. Aunt Karandysheva is on the stage, ridiculously complaining about the losses from dinner. Larisa appears with her mother. They discuss the terrible dinner, the humiliating misunderstanding of Karandyshev's position. Ogudalova says that the guests deliberately solder Karandyshev and laugh at him. After the women leave, Knurov, Paratov and Vozhevatov appear, complaining about a crappy dinner and terrible wine and rejoicing that Robinson, who can drink anything, helped get Karandyshev drunk. Karandyshev appears, who puts on airs and boasts, not noticing that they are laughing at him. He is sent for cognac. At this time, the gypsy Ilya reports that everything is ready for a trip across the Volga. The men say to each other that it would be nice to take Larisa, Paratov undertakes to persuade her. Larisa, who has appeared, is asked to sing, but Karandyshev tries to forbid her, then Larisa sings "Do not tempt". The guests are delighted, Karandyshev, about to say a long-prepared toast, leaves for champagne, the rest leave Paratov alone with Larisa. He spins her head, telling her that a few more moments like this and he will give up everything to become her slave. Larisa agrees to go on a picnic in the hope of getting Paratov back. Karandyshev, who appeared, makes a toast to Larisa, in which the most precious thing to him is that she "knows how to disassemble people" and therefore chose him. Karandyshev is also sent for wine. When he returns, he learns about Larisa's departure for a picnic, he finally understands that he was laughed at, and threatens to take revenge. Grabbing a gun, he runs away.

The fourth act is again in the coffee shop. Robinson, not taken to the picnic, learns from a conversation with a servant that they saw Karandyshev with a pistol. He appears and asks Robinson where his comrades are. Robinson gets rid of him, explaining that they were casual acquaintances. Karandyshev leaves. Knurov and Vozhevatov, who have returned from a picnic, appear, believing that "the drama is beginning." Both understand that Paratov made serious promises to Larisa, which he does not intend to fulfill, and therefore she is compromised and her position is hopeless. Now their dream can come true to go with Larisa to Paris for an exhibition. In order not to interfere with each other, they decide to toss a coin. The lot falls to Knurov, and Vozhevatov gives his word to retire.

Larisa appears with Paratov. Paratov thanks Larisa for the pleasure, but she wants to hear that she has now become his wife. Paratov replies that he cannot break up with his rich bride because of his passion for Larisa, and instructs Robinson to take her home. Larisa refuses. Vozhevatov and Knurov appear, Larisa rushes to Vozhevatov asking for sympathy and advice, but he resolutely evades, leaving her with Knurov, who offers Larisa a joint trip to Paris and maintenance for life. Larisa is silent, and Knurov leaves, asking her to think. In despair, Larisa approaches the cliff, dreaming of dying, but does not dare to commit suicide and exclaims: “As if someone would kill me now...” Karandyshev appears, Larisa tries to drive him away, talking about her contempt. He reproaches her, says that Knurov and Vozhevatov played her like a thing. Larisa is shocked and, picking up his words, says: “If you’re going to be a thing, it’s so expensive, very expensive.” She asks to send Knurov to her. Karandyshev tries to stop her, shouting that he forgives her and will take her away from the city, but Larisa rejects this offer and wants to leave. She does not believe his words about his love for her. Enraged and humiliated, Karandyshev shoots her. The dying Larisa gratefully accepts this shot, puts the revolver next to herself and tells those who come running to the shot that no one is to blame: “It’s me myself.” Gypsy singing can be heard behind the stage. Paratov shouts: “Tell him to shut up!”, but Larisa does not want this and dies to the accompaniment of a loud gypsy choir with the words: “... you are all good people... I love you all... I love you all.”

Author of the retelling: A. I. Zhuravleva

Guilty without guilt. Comedy (1884)

The action takes place in the second half of the 19th century, in a provincial town, in a poor apartment on the outskirts. Lyubov Ivanovna Otradina, a “maiden of noble birth” who lives by her labor, sews and talks with the maid. From the conversation it turns out that the heroine’s lover, the father of her child, Murov, will not set a wedding day. The women discuss the return to the city of Otradina’s friend Shelavina, who received a huge inheritance from a rich old man in a dubious way and is preparing for her wedding. Murov comes, says that he does not dare tell his mother, on whom he completely depends, about his intention to marry a dowry-free woman, reports the need to leave on maternal affairs, shows indifference to his son, who is already three years old and lives with a bourgeois woman, Galchikha, who takes children into her care. . During the conversation, Shelavina arrives. Murov, to Otradina’s surprise, hides from her in the bedroom. Shelavina chats about the wedding, about the dress and shows her friend a photo of the groom. Otradina recognizes Murov. After her friend leaves, she angrily kicks him out. At this time, Galchikha runs in with the news that her son Grisha is dying. “Well, now you are completely free,” Otradina says to Murov and runs away. “I’m coming for you,” Murov replies.

The second action takes place in a hotel, seventeen years later. The rich gentleman Dudukin, the patron of actors, is waiting for the return of the famous actress Elena Ivanovna Kruchinina, who is touring in the city. The premiere of the local theater Korinkin appears. She reports a scandal arranged by the young actor Neznamov to the local rich man Mukhoboev. According to the actress, Neznamov "has a sharp and evil tongue and the most bad character." Korinkina leaves, Kruchinina returns, tells Dudukin that she asked the governor to forgive Neznamov and not expel him from the city. To her questions about the young man, Dudukin replies that Grigory Neznamov is illegitimate, was brought up and taken to Siberia, received some education, but after the death of his adoptive father and the remarriage of his widows, he began to be offended and persecuted in the house. He ran away, was returned to the stage, with difficulty straightened out some kind of residence permit, stuck with the troupe and now is constantly afraid that he would not be sent back along the stage. Kruchinina tells her story, says that when she saw her dying child, she lost consciousness, fell ill with diphtheria herself, and when she recovered, she was told that her son had died. Sick, she was taken in by a wealthy distant relative, with whom she lived until her death as a companion, traveled with her, and then inherited some fortune and decided to become an actress. Because she did not see her son in the coffin, she always thinks that he is alive, she thinks about him, dreams of meeting him. Dudukin persuades her to take care of herself, give up fantasies and leaves.

Suddenly Neznamov and Shmaga appear in the room, having been waiting for Kruchinin in the buffet. On behalf of Neznamov, Shmaga reproaches Kruchinina for her intercession, which she was not asked for. Kruchinina apologizes. Neznamov talks about his grievances, about the reproaches with which his comrades in the troupe will pester him. From his reasoning one can see his anger and disbelief in any kind of good motives of people, since he “went through the prison as a child without any guilt,” only because of the lack of papers. Upset, Kruchinina hotly says that he has not seen enough in his life; according to her, there are many kind people in the world, especially women. She will not stop helping people, although it does not always end well. Neznamov is amazed and touched, and Shmaga demands that Kruchinina pay their bill at the buffet and give them a “loan.” Embarrassed, Neznamov kicks him out and apologizes to Kruchinina, who gives him money for a coat for Shmaga. Saying goodbye, he kisses her hand, and she kisses his head. A “crazy beggar” appears, in whom Kruchinina recognizes Galchikha. She asks her to show her son’s grave, but the old woman says that the boy recovered, while getting better, he kept calling “Mom, Mom,” and then she gave him to a childless couple for money, Murov approved this and also gave her more money from himself. Galchikha can’t remember anything else. Kruchinina, sobbing, exclaims: “What a crime!”

The third act takes place in Korinkina's theatrical dressing room. She complains to her first lover, Milovzorov, that Kruchinina's performance captured not only the audience, but also the troupe, and you "have your own actress, you must support her." She conveys Dudukin's story about the life of Kruchinina, cynically interpreting her fate as the story of a free-spirited woman. She offers Milovzorov to set Neznamov on Kruchinina, getting him drunk and "debunking" Kruchinina in his eyes. He agrees. She advises Dudukin, who visited her, to arrange an evening in honor of Kruchinina today. Shmaga appears, assuring that Neznamov "lost the thread in life", refuses tavern pleasures and admires Kruchinina. After the departure of Dudukin and Shmagi, Neznamov appears. Korinkina begins to flirt with him and persuades him to go with her to Dudukin's in the evening. Neznamov and Milovzorov are left alone and talk about Kruchinina, Milovzorov agrees to recognize her acting gift, but gradually retells the version of her life composed by Korinka. Neznamov despairs, but still has some doubts whether this is true, decides to check everything in the evening and leaves.

Korinkina leaves Kruchinina, who has arrived, in her dressing room, the best in the theater, and leaves. Murov appears, expresses his admiration for Kruchinina's performance and asks if she is Otradina. Confirming his guess, she refuses to talk about herself and demands to know where her son is. Murov, who hoped that she did not know about his recovery, is forced to report that he was adopted by a wealthy merchant. In his story, he mentions that he put on the baby a gold medallion, once presented to him by Otradina. After that, he says that his family life was unhappy, but, having become a widow, he inherited his wife's huge fortune, and when he saw Kruchinina, he realized what a treasure he had lost, and now asks her to become Mrs. Murova. To all this, Kruchinina replies: "Where is my son? Until I see him, there will be no other conversation between us."

Neznamov and Shmaga appear again, talking about the gossip told by Milovzorov, which Neznamov either believes or doubts. He suspects an intrigue here, but Shmaga gradually strengthens him in distrust of Kruchinina. An extremely excited Neznamov leaves with Shmaga to the "Meeting of Merry Friends" tavern.

The last action takes place in the garden of Dudukin's estate. Korinkina calls the actors for a snack and slowly instructs Milovzorov to properly “warm up” Neznamov. Kruchinina tells Dudukin about Galchikha’s confession and complains that she cannot find any traces of her son. Dudukin tries to calm her down and considers the search hopeless. Murov appears, Dudukin leaves to seat the guests at cards, and Murov reports that he made inquiries and found out that their son and his adoptive father fell ill and died (at the same time, he constantly confuses the adoptive parent’s last name). Kruchinina doesn’t believe it. Then Murov demands that she leave and with her searches not cast a shadow on his reputation in the city, where he has all his business and therefore he cannot leave it himself. Otherwise, he threatens her with trouble. Kruchinina replies that she is not afraid of him and will continue the search.

Dudukin invites everyone to dinner. Kruchinina wants to return to the hotel, then she is asked to at least drink champagne on the road. Korinkina tells Neznamov and Shmage not to talk about children at the table with Kruchinina. Neznamov sees this as a confirmation of the stories about Kruchinina and promises to make a toast "about adults." After a solemn speech in honor of Kruchinina and her response speech, in which she shares success with the entire troupe, Neznamov suddenly makes a toast "to mothers who abandon their children," and in a pathetic monologue describes the misfortune of children who are in need, and most importantly, ridicule. At the same time, he mentions that some do even worse, giving an abandoned child some kind of golden trinket, which constantly reminds him of his mother who abandoned him. The amazed Kruchinina rushes to him and pulls out her medallion from his chest, shouting "he, he!" she loses consciousness. The shocked Neznamov promises not to take revenge on anyone for the evil intrigue, because he is now a "child" and asks Kruchinina, who has come to her senses, where his father is. Looking at the frightened Murov, Kruchinina says to her son: "Your father is not worth looking for him," he promises that Neznamov will study and, having a clear talent, will become a good actor, and his mother's surname is no worse than any other.

Author of the retelling: A. I. Zhuravleva

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