Chulpan Khamatova and Maxim Sukhanov. The play "Concept" in Berlin 18 October 2024

Berlin's Musikbrauerei will host the first public reading of Viktor Shenderovich's play "The Concept" on October 18. In this tragicomedy, which combines elements of satire and historical drama, the author explores the themes of the collapse of empires, the rewriting of history and the struggle for power. The action of the play takes place in ancient Rome, but the images and events refer to modern times, creating a sharp and relevant commentary on our era.

Viktor Shenderovich: "Ten years ago I wrote a play "Conception", from Roman life, so to speak. The old senator Cesius was very much interested in playing Oleg Tabakov (the role was written for him). He walked around the play like a cat around a bowl of hot milk, and justified himself in the voice of the cat Matroskin: "Vityok, I'm the sovereign's man..." Then 2014 happened, and the subject of staging my plays fell away in principle."

The play will be presented by artists Chulpan Khamatova and Maxim Sukhanov. Political scientist Ekaterina Shulman and journalist Maxim Kurnikov will also take part in the reading. Directed by Marat Gatsalov.