A Poetic Drama in Four Acts
by Mikhail Lermontov: Trans. by Karpovich, Mikhail Lermontov
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The Masquerade, a treasured four-act play by Mikhail Yurievich Lermontov, is a classic work of Russian romanticism. In 1830s St. Petersburg, aristocrat Arbenin and Nina, his wife, attend a masked ball. In a tragic case of mistaken identity, Arbenin convinces himself that his wife is romantically involved with Prince Zvezdich. Arbenin is tragically blinded by jealousy and pride, and then a disaster happens... A celebration and examination of a classic work from the Golden Age of Russian culture, the first poetic translation by Russian American professor Alfred E. Karpovich brings The Masquerade to a new, English-speaking audience. A work of great importance, this drama examines the collision between true love and the societal prejudice of honor and dignity. In translation, it casts an inquisitive eye at the state of human dignity in the twenty-first century. Praise for The Masquerade translation The following is in reference to Dr. Alfred E. Karpovich's translation of the great Russian writer and poet Mikhail Lermontov's play : Masquerade . Thoroughly versed in classical Russian, I am a great admirer of Lermontov's works. I approached the translation with a feeling of skepticism, but was literally knocked over by the translation. Mr. Karpovich's understanding of Lermontov and fine-tuning of the English version are truly amazing. It is my pleasure to give this work the highest possible recommendation (and I hope to see it on stage). Sincerely yours, Nicholas Bobrinskoy GDOOSJ (formerly of Marymount Manhattan College Faculty, NYS; St Peter's College, author of The Golden Age of Russian Literature; Pronounce Russian Correctly and of many articles & Interviews in USA & Russia)
