Contemporary Queer Plays by Russian Playwrights: Satellites and Comets; Summer Lightning; A Little Hero; A Child for Olya; The Pillow's Soul; Every Shade of Blue; A City Flower

Contemporary Queer Plays by Russian Playwrights is the first anthology of LGBTQ-themed plays written by Russian queer authors and straight allies in the 21st century. The plays explore gay, lesbian, trans, and other queer lives in prose and verse, featuring works that were written around or after 2013, the year when the law on the prohibition of "propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations among minors" was passed. The plays are universal stories of humanity that spread a message of tolerance, acceptance, and love, showing that breathing, growing old, falling in love, falling out of love, and falling in love again can be just as challenging and rewarding in Moscow and elsewhere in Russia as it can be in New York, Tokyo, Johannesburg, or Buenos Aires.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 21 October 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Contemporary Queer Plays by Russian Playwrights is a groundbreaking anthology that showcases a diverse range of LGBTQ-themed plays written by Russian queer authors and their straight allies in the 21st century. This remarkable collection features the works of established and emerging playwrights from the vibrant Russian drama scene, including Roman Kozyrchikov, Andrey Rodionov, Ekaterina Troepolskaya, Valery Pecheykin, Natalya Milanteva, Olzhas Zhanaydarov, Vladimir Zaytsev, and Elizaveta Letter. These talented authors have crafted plays that explore the diverse experiences of gay, lesbian, trans, and other queer individuals, employing prose and verse to convey their stories.

The plays in this anthology span a wide spectrum, from confession-style solo performances to poetic satire on contemporary Russia. They range from children's plays that promote love and tolerance to adult-only dramas that have been staged in cities like Moscow and other regions. What sets this anthology apart is its focus on works that were written around or after 2013, a pivotal year in Russian queer history. This is when the government passed a law prohibiting the "propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations among minors," which had a significant impact on the lives and artistic expression of LGBTQ individuals in the country.

Despite the challenges posed by this legislation, the plays in Contemporary Queer Plays by Russian Playwrights offer a message of hope, tolerance, and love. They demonstrate that a queer scenario does not necessarily have to end in tragedy simply because it is imagined and set in Russia. These universal stories of humanity showcase the complexities and joys of breathing, growing old, falling in love, falling out of love, and falling in love again, regardless of one's location. The plays remind us that love and acceptance are universal values that transcend borders and that everyone deserves to live a fulfilling life, regardless of their sexual orientation or identity.

In conclusion, Contemporary Queer Plays by Russian Playwrights is a groundbreaking anthology that celebrates the diversity and creativity of LGBTQ-themed plays written by Russian authors. Through their powerful stories and compelling performances, these playwrights have contributed to the ongoing conversation about gender and sexuality in Russia and beyond. This anthology is a testament to the resilience and determination of the queer community in the face of adversity and serves as a reminder that love and acceptance are universal values that can be found in every corner of the world.

Weight: 378g
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350203761