Beauty and the Beast, and Tales of Home

In this lively retelling of a forgotten Russian chronicle, a narrator weaves together hard‑won facts and vivid imagination to bring a vanished world back to life. Set on the banks of the Volga in the modest town of Kinesma, the story paints a picture of a land ruled by Prince Alexis and the Archimandrite Sergius, where grand white walls and golden domes dominate the horizon. The tone balances scholarly observation with the colour of folk legend, inviting listeners to step into a society that feels both authentic and enchanted.

Amidst this backdrop, the prince’s household prepares for a festive celebration that promises music, dance, and a spectacular performance by Mishka, the family’s beloved bear. The tension between the stern ruler, his indulgent wife Princess Martha, and their son Boris—who longs for a grand send‑off—adds humor and drama to the preparations. As laughter erupts over Mishka’s clumsy antics, the stage is set for the whimsical yet consequential events that will follow.