A visit to the theatre

I

Although I am not a theatre-goer, I never miss a chance to see a good play. There are a lot of theatres in Moscow. But even now it is very difficult to get tickets for really good performances. It's next to impossible to get tickets to the Bolshoy Theatre on a Sunday night. The house is sold out in advance.

But once I was lucky to get tickets to the Bolshoy Theatre. "The Sleeping Beauty" was on.

I bought tickets at the box-office of the theatre. I knew that the best and most expensive seats were in the stalls and the dress-circle. The seats in the upper circle pit and gallery were cheaper. The seats in the stalls were sold out. I took box number six in the dress-circle. It was very well placed and we could have a good view of the stage.

The Bolshoy Theatre is a magnificent building. We arrived at the theatre ahead of time. I hate coming at the last moment. Having produced our tickets, we passed through the entrance hall and went to the cloak room, where we left our hats and coats. The usher led us to our seats.

At last the curtain went up. The scenery was beautifully set up. The Bolshoy Theatre is famous for its excellent performances. Its productions are always a success and have a very long run. We enjoyed "The Sleeping Beauty". Music and dances were perfect. The leading lady was marvellous. At the end of the acts the audience applauded the dancers. The theatre was full. There was hardly any vacant place. "The Sleeping Beauty" made deep impression on me.

II

Theatre has always played an important role in the life of the Russian people. People like to go to the theatres to see interesting performances, to enjoy beautiful architecture. A theatrical performance is always a mystery.

Moscow is proud of the Bolshoy, Maly and Art theatres. The Bolshoy theatre is world-famous for its excellent companies and wonderful acting. Almost all foreign tourists, who come to Moscow, visit at least one of these theatres. The Bolshoy Theatre amazes us with its grandeur and splendour. I visited this theatre several times. I attended the Bolshoy Theatre for the first time when I was 10 years old. It made a deep impression on me. Recently I happened to hear two operas there. They were "Traviata" and "Aida". I liked "Traviata" best. The opera was in Italian and I could understand almost nothing. Moreover, I did not know the subject. But the music was so magnificent that nothing could irritate me. A visit to the theatre is one of the most popular cultural amusements in Russia.