Word: tsarist
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Dates: during 1990-1999
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...Schmemann recognizes both the faults of tsarist Russia and the positive aspects of the communist dream. He leaves us with sympathy for the trials of the Russian countryside and with the recognition that, accustomed to changing forms of oppression and persecution, the people of a Russian village are understandably averse to individual risk. Pursuing new and uncertain methods of production, even if successful, could lead to punishment if the government's idea of what is acceptable in production again changes--all of which implies that a successful transition to democracy in Russia will be difficult atbest...
...with Konstantin's play, there's nothing wrong with the idea. In fact, it's fresh and unaffected, to coin a phrase. Alison Carey's analogy of a vineyard in Napa for a rural estate outside Moscow, and of Hollywood glitterati for Tsarist Russia's belle lettristes gives the play a contemporary edge without sacrificing any of its subtlety. The primitive set places the dialogue and acting center stage. But like Chekhov's antihero, the Cornerstone takes it all too far. At one point, the director, Bill Rauch, injects a gratuitous mime sequence, in which Konstantin...