How a Play Skewering Modern Russia Evaded a Crackdown to Become a Hit

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 6 min read 100% complete by Ivan NechepurenkoJanuary 17, 2026 at 11:00 AM

AI Summary

long article 6 min

In 2024, "The Kholops," a play written in 1907 by Pyotr Gnedich, opened in St. Petersburg, Russia, and unexpectedly became a hit. The play explores oppression and resonated with audiences living in Vladimir Putin's Russia. Despite its critical themes, the production has avoided a crackdown from Russian authorities, unlike other productions critical of modern Russia. Directed by Andrei Moguchiy, "The Kholops" has garnered critical acclaim, winning awards and attracting audiences from across the country, including government officials and business leaders. Tickets for the limited performances at the Tovstonogov Bolshoi Drama Theater sell out quickly, with thousands on a waiting list.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Stas Levshin ×230% Golden Soffit 50% Tovstonogov Bolshoi Drama Theater 60% Andrei Moguchiy 70% Pyotr Gnedich 70% Vladimir V. Putin ×280% St. Petersburg ×280% The Kholops ×990% Russia ×8100%

Keywords

the kholops 100% political oppression 90% censorship 80% vladimir putin's russia 80% crackdown 70% russian theater 70% st. petersburg 60% cultural criticism 60% pyotr gnedich 50%

Sentiment Analysis

Positive

Score: 0.40

Source Transparency

Source

New York Times - World

Political Lean

Center-Left (-0.30)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

Russia

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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the kholops political oppression censorship vladimir putin's russia crackdown russian theater st. petersburg cultural criticism pyotr gnedich

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