Chitacle for those who live at a distance — a date format over video call. Not "let's talk in the evening," but a shared hour of play reading by roles. A shared experience that stays in memory.
What doesn't work in a long-distance relationship
- Long video calls tire the eyes and attention.
- Chats become an exchange of daily facts.
- Watching a movie together both silent, then a five-minute discussion.
- Online games not for everyone.
- "Tell me what's up with you" grows old within a month.
Long-distance couples "call" more than they "meet." These are different genres. Chitacle provides meetings.
What Chitacle offers
In the "Read with a friend" mode, one of you registers at play-read.online, gets an invitation link, and sends it to the partner. Chitacle picks the play. At the appointed time the curtain parts — and the two of you read for 30–40 minutes.
After the play — you stay and talk. About the text, about the characters, about what you recognized in them. This is a different type of conversation than "how was your day."
How this is better than an ordinary video call
- There's a shared occupation. The play.
- There's a topic. The author's text.
- There's structure. Lines alternate.
- There's emotion. Cold reading brings out the living.
- There's memory. A shared play stays in memory, unlike "we called."
Who this especially suits
- Couples in different cities of the same country.
- Couples in different countries even with time zone differences.
- Those temporarily on a business trip.
- Those with rotational work.
- Young couples who met online and haven't yet met in person.
- Mature couples who met late and live separately.
How many times a week
Chitacle works well as a ritual:
- Once a week provides a regular meeting that wasn't there before.
- Twice a week serious support for the relationship.
- Less than once every two weeks becomes "irregular" and loses power.
What's important to know
- The partner must be on the same page with you. This is a joint initiative.
- Video is not recorded. Confidentiality is preserved.
- You can repeat with the same play or a new one each time.
Frequently asked questions
What is Chitacle?
An online theater for two: two people read an original play by roles over video call, right in the browser. 200+ original plays and monoplays — freely distributed under CC BY 4.0. Interface in five languages.
How do I get the play text as a file?
Write to chitacle.online@gmail.com with the play's title — we'll send you the file. You learn the title during your meeting in the theater.
On what terms can I use Chitacle plays?
All plays are freely distributed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0), perpetually and worldwide, with no rights claims. The only requirement — attribution to the author (Chitacle) and links to our resources.
Can I invite viewers to the meeting?
Yes, in all formats except instant matching. The viewer joins via a personal link. The same works for online supervision: a teacher, psychologist, or coach joins the student's or client's session as a viewer.
What languages does the interface support?
The Chitacle interface is in five languages: Русский · English · Español · العربية · 中文. The play repertoire is being translated and continues to grow.
How much does it cost?
Your first meeting is on us. After that — by individual meetings or a monthly subscription.
Legal side — Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) license.
Chitacle plays are freely distributed perpetually and worldwide, with no rights claims. You may copy, distribute, perform on stage, create derivative works, and use commercially. The only condition — attribution to the author (Chitacle) and links to our resources.
Your first meeting is on us
Head to the Dressing Room at play-read.online and invite your partner.
Your first meeting is on us.
Enter the theaterChitacle now speaks five languages — Русский · English · Español · العربية · 中文.
We did it quietly, but properly.