The Realm That Never Smiled - Vladimir Raevskii

comedy standup / lecture on Russian history

"Derzhava Nesmeyana" (The Realm Than Never Smiled) is a unique history stand-up show by Vladimir Raevskiy, blending humor with the complexities of Russian history. The title, playing off the name of a Russian fairytale princess who never smiled, reflects the cultural reluctance to laugh at historical events, even when they seem absurd or tragic.

In this show, Vladimir takes the audience on a journey through key moments of Russian history, highlighting its contradictions, ironies, and often untold truths. With his sharp wit and deep knowledge, he dissects the stories of emperors, revolutions, and the ordinary people caught in the tide of history. Yet, rather than simply reliving the past, "Derzhava Nesmeyana" invites reflection on how these events shape the present, all through the lens of biting, intelligent humor.