A production by Georgy Vasilyev based on the novel by M. E. Saltykov-Shchedrin. The director took on one of the most unpleasant characters in Russian literature - Porfiry Golovlev, who received affectionate nicknames "Iudushka" and "bloodsucker" in his childhood, embodying the quintessence of baseness, and proposed to examine this character from a different angle. By shifting the emphasis, the director gave the story a deeper, philosophical vector, turning the action into a conversation about free will, as the events take place on the eve of the abolition of serfdom. As for the malicious actions of Iudushka - they are presented as a series of unfortunate misunderstandings, when, according to Russian custom, "one wants the best, but it turns out as always." The action turned out to be metaphorical and dynamic, constantly stimulating the viewer's thought. Is there a need for will in a backwater town with its rigidity, dullness, and vulgarity? And is it not from this that the mysterious textbook scoundrel tries to distance himself? In the lead role - Valery Dyachenko. The duration of the performance is 1 hour and 40 minutes without intermission. For more performances in St. Petersburg, check out our website in the theater section.