Valery Fokin's new play is based on the story described in the Old Testament in the Book of Job. It is important that the Book of Job is one of the so-called teaching books, which contain life lessons and instructions. The story of Job, a righteous man who was severely tested by the one whom he faithfully served and in whom he had undivided faith, is told in the dialogues of the main character with his three friends. And each of them gives his own explanation of the reasons why his friend suffered fatal misfortunes and offers his own way out. Turning to this biblical story, the authors of the play raise questions that each of us, regardless of our religious identity, ask ourselves many times throughout our lives: why does a person suffer? How can we keep our faith in God, destiny, and ourselves and overcome doubts? Is it true that misfortunes in our lives are not punishments for this or that sin or misdeed, but part of the path without which we cannot come to God and to ourselves? 

Alexandrinsky Theater would like to thank for help in the work on the play
Kirill Bitner (Institute of Linguistic Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences). 

Premiere - December 6, 2024