Author Rzhevsky (European languages, cultures, literatures, Stony Brook U.) focuses on the adaptation of Russian literature to the stage as the key to the tradition of modern Russian theater in
the 20th century. The author brings an understanding of Russian life to his discussions of the social, cultural, and political contexts of Russian theater's relationship with literature during
that time. In the course of his narrative, the author also underscores the importance and contributions of the directors who could create forceful melodrama on the stage from the printed word.
Among the Russian writers the author discusses are Pushkin, Dostoevsky, Bulgakov, Rasputin, Abramov, and others. He also looks at the productions of directors such as Meyerhold, Stanislavsky,
and Dodin. The book will interest both directors and actors, as well as students. Annotation 穢2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
