How to meet someone without awkwardness — the main question of contemporary adults. Awkwardness is born where you have to "come up with the first phrase." On Chitacle there's no first phrase — there's the play's text. And awkwardness goes away on its own.
Why we meet awkwardly
Awkwardness isn't a character defect. It's a reaction to an empty first second. When you're left one-on-one with a stranger and don't know what to say, the brain panics and produces "hi, how are you" — the safest and most boring option.
After this a cascade begins: you see that your interlocutor is also panicking, your panic grows, the conversation slides into formalities. And this isn't at all connected with how interesting the two of you are.
What Chitacle does
On Chitacle there's no empty first second. When the curtain parts, there's already a play between you: a text that needs to be read. The first words are the author's. They remove the obligation to "start the conversation" from you.
You open your mouth not to meet someone, but to read. That's a completely different motivation. And already in a minute you're both relaxed — because you're occupied with a shared task.
What's removed for both
- Fear of the first word. The word is already written.
- Fear of seeming boring. The words aren't yours — they're "not evaluated."
- Fear of not being liked. Right now they're not listening to you — they're listening to the play.
- Fear of a hanging pause. Pauses in the play are the author's, they're not yours.
What remains
- The partner's voice.
- Their intonations.
- Their reaction to the text.
- Your own voice — for the first time without tension.
- A conversation that will happen after the reading on its own.
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 "I want to be invited" 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.