Sputnik commissioned two Russian playwrights, Nina Belenitskaya and Evgeny Kazachkov, to write short plays, for a week of performances at Theatre 503 on the theme of contemporary Russia.
Sputnik is a British theatre company dedicated to sourcing, translating and producing new Russian drama for British audiences.
There are several strands to Sputnik's work including:
- producing new Russian plays in the UK
- programming and organising the Russian Theatre Festival in London
- developing Russian playwriting through commissions and exchanges
- outreach work bringing drama to disadvantaged young people
- cultural events with Russian literature and music
Why Russia?
Russia has a history of theatrical innovation. Russian playwrights have played a significant role in shaping modern European theatre.
Contemporary playwriting in Russia has been going through an important and innovative period since 1991 with a prolific output by predominantly young dramatists.