Anna Geizhan, a playwright whose work has drawn attention in contemporary Russian drama, earned top honors at the XX International Contest for Contemporary Russian Drama titled “Characters.” The winning piece was her play, “The Sorceress and the Grain of Sand,” a work that has been reported by TASS citing information from the press service of the theater known as the School of Modern Play (SHSP). The announcement underscores the contest’s reputation for spotlighting bold, innovative voices shaping modern dramaturgy in Russia and beyond.
The theater’s report reveals that a broad international pool contributed to the competition in 2022, with submissions totaling over 400 scripts from 18 countries. The judging panel, described by officials as comprised of seasoned professionals closely aligned with current dramaturgical trends, faced the demanding task of narrowing a long list into a highly selective short list. Dmitry Astrakhan, who serves as the director of the theater, as well as the theater and film programs at the Modern Play School, explained that the jury selected eight plays from the long list for recognition, and that the process proved to be rigorous and discerning. The selected works demonstrated a high level of craft, originality, and thematic depth, reflecting the competition’s commitment to elevating substantial, provocative storytelling in contemporary theater.
In second place, the jury recognized “Polina is Looking for a Father” by Ekaterina Timofeeva, a work noted for its intimate portraiture and its exploration of family dynamics, memory, and identity within a modern social frame. Third place went to “Mother” by Tony Yablochkina, a piece that the jury highlighted for its emotional resonance and sharp dramatic structure, presenting a nuanced examination of matrilineal bonds and personal sacrifice against a charged social backdrop.
The competition’s shortlist further featured several other compelling titles, including “Mukhina’s Loop” by Anna Liferenko, “Agatha Nanny” by Anastasia Maleiko, and “November Call” by Maria Malukhina. Also in contention were “Birds” by Alexei Platonov and “One Day in the Life of Lina” by Svetlana Shimone. Each of these works was acknowledged for distinct threadings of narrative craft, voice, and thematic courage, illustrating the breadth of contemporary Russian drama and its ability to converse with audiences about pressing human and societal questions. All eight shortlisted plays were subsequently slated for inclusion in the Best Games selection of the 2022 Character Contest, highlighting the event’s role in presenting a cohesive snapshot of the year’s most noteworthy dramatic achievements.
Among the shortlist recognitions, “November Call” earned the designation of Best Game for Teens, underscoring a commitment to accessible, thought-provoking material for younger audiences while maintaining a sophisticated artistic standard. This recognition aligns with a broader trend in contemporary theater to cultivate engaging, age-appropriate works that nonetheless challenge and inspire viewers across generations.
The XX International Contest for Contemporary Russian Drama, and the associated Russian program of the Patriki Film Festival, have previously recognized several laureates, signaling a sustained trajectory of recognition for innovative work within Russia’s dynamic dramaturgical landscape. The contest and its trajectories illuminate how theatrical creators continue to push boundaries, experiment with form, and reconceive cultural conversations through stagecraft, language, and performance. In this context, Geizhan’s victory stands as a clarion example of how contemporary Russian playwrights are shaping the international conversation around drama, memory, myth, and the human experience as seen through a distinctly modern lens.