Diary of a Madman

The Russian Arts Theater and Studio, a New York theater founded in 2004,  presents Nikolai Gogol’s Diary of a Madman, adapted by Di Zhu and staged by critically-acclaimed Russian-American director Aleksey Burago.

Considered Gogol’s best short story, Madman is a first-person narrative presented in the form of a diary. It is the tale of Aksenty Ivanovich Poprishchin, a lowly government clerk who gradually descends into madness. At the beginning, Poprischin records his frustrations and humiliations with restraint, rationalizing various attacks from society to his dignity. Over time, however, reason gives way to delusion and his schizophrenic mumblings spin out of control. Through journal entries, Poprishchin leads us through the corridors of his topsy-turvy world, from his hateful job and crush on his employer’s daughter, to his encounters with letter-writing dogs, to the torture he undergoes at the hands of the Spanish “Inquisitor.”

Tom Schubert comes spectacularly unhinged in the title role along with actors Albert Baker, Sarah O’Donnell and Luisa Menzen, who join forces to deliver a dazzling parade of thirty plus characters!

Performed in English.