Dialogues for learning Russian — usually artificial textbook texts. Chitacle offers something different: original plays written not for study but as literary works. Study becomes a side effect, and the main thing — a live conversation.
Why textbook dialogues work poorly
Textbook dialogues are created for a methodological task: "drill the food topic," "practice the tenses." As a result, the characters speak not like people — but like functions of grammar. "What will you do on Saturday? I'll go to the movies. And you?" — such dialogues don't stay in memory, because they don't carry life.
Chitacle offers dialogues written as literature, not as exercises. The characters really quarrel, confess, are silent, deceive. This is a living language in action.
What you get when reading
- Idioms in context. "Let it go," "none of my business," "what could I do" — real expressions.
- Emotional language. How a Russian speaks when angry, tender, hurt, ironic.
- Contemporary speech formulas. Not "gracious sir," but "okay, moving on."
- Non-verbal register. Pauses, repetitions, half-said things — all this is part of the text.
What plays there are
- M/F duologues the main format for a mixed-sex pair.
- F/F and M/M duologues for same-sex partners.
- Monoplays for the "performer and listener" format.
- Genres comedy, drama, melodrama, psychological.
- 200+ original texts under the CC BY 4.0 license.
How to use
Option 1. Read together on Chitacle — at play-read.online.
Option 2. Request as a file at chitacle.online@gmail.com — can be used in lessons, with a tutor, in a group.
Option 3. Include in your Russian language course. The CC BY 4.0 license allows any use with attribution to the author.
For which level
- B1 will manage with a selection of simple plays.
- B2 comfortable with most texts.
- C1–C2 can work with any, including complex ones.
- A1–A2 recommended to first build up vocabulary.
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.