Description:
Lermontov's timeless Romantic drama Masquerade exposes the perils of high-society deception and jealousy. In a world of masks and intrigue, a nobleman's obsession spirals into tragedy, critiquing Russia's elite with poetic fury.
Brief description: Mikhail Lermontov was Russia's most renowned Romantic poet. Born in 1814, his short life was both difficult and sensational. Raised by his grandmother, he served in the Russian military as an adult but fought several duels, meeting his end in the last one at just twenty-six in 1841.It was his writing that brought him enduring fame, inspiring giants like Turgenev, Tolstoy, and Chekhov. A prolific poet, his novel A Hero of Our Time is a cornerstone of Russian literature, and his play Masquerade marks a pivotal moment in the nation's theatre-a whirlwind of jealousy, deception, and societal critique.
Review Quotes:
Mikhail Lermontov's Masquerade is a scorching indictment of 19th-century Russian aristocracy, where social masks conceal deadly passions. This fresh translation by Valentina Hine and Robert Leach pulses with raw emotion and rhythmic dialogue, making the play's tragic descent into jealousy and madness feel urgently modern. A cornerstone of Romantic theatre, it rivals Pushkin's intensity-elegant, explosive, and profoundly human. Essential for lovers of classic drama.