Reading by roles in Russian — a format in which the language learner gets what's usually missing: a live partner and a ready-made text. Chitacle is a platform for partner reading in Russian with native speakers.
Why learners of Russian should read plays
- Live conversational speech. A play is a dialogue. Not a textbook exercise, but a real conversation.
- Contemporary language. Chitacle — original texts of the 21st century. Not 19th-century classics with many archaisms.
- Pronunciation training. Reading aloud with a partner trains articulation.
- Listening to a native speaker. In the M/F duologue format you hear Russian in the performance of a native speaker.
- Removing the language barrier. The first words are already written — no need to "invent."
Why the partner format is convenient
In a traditional language school you speak either with the teacher (an artificial context) or with a group of students (also learners). On Chitacle your partner is an adult Russian speaker, a stranger, interested in the format. That's a completely different experience.
And the main thing — the ready-made text removes the fear of the first line. Most of the barrier for language learners isn't the vocabulary, but the anxiety before speaking. The play removes it.
Level of proficiency
Suitable for learners from B1 and up. Texts are understandable with a vocabulary of 2000–3000 words. Complex constructions occur, but the dialogue's context helps.
For A2–B1 — better start with a selection of simpler plays (request at chitacle.online@gmail.com specifying the level).
How to use
1. Open play-read.online. 2. In the Dressing Room, leave your email and check the box. 3. Specify partner preferences — sex, age. 4. Chitacle will pick a play and a pair. 5. At the appointed time — the curtain will part.
What's important to know
- This is a format of meeting through reading, not a "language school."
- The partner may not know you're learning Russian — you can say so or not.
- All your rights as a user are the same as those of native speakers.
- Your first meeting is on us.
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 check the box.
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.