Contemporary plays for two — a text of current Russian written in our days. Not 19th-century classics, not foreign translations. Chitacle has assembled a collection of fresh plays for two in contemporary language — for staging, readings, conversational practice, and literary encounter.
How a contemporary play differs from classics
A contemporary play speaks in today's language and about today's situations. The characters worry not about class inequality and duels, but about:
- Long-distance relationships.
- Age crises of the adult.
- Divorce and return to solitary life.
- Digital fatigue.
- Working from home and the loneliness of remote work.
- Search for meaning in mature age.
This is recognizable, so contemporary plays read aloud more easily: you speak in words from your life, not "your excellency" and "my gracious sir."
What's in the Chitacle repertoire
- 200+ original plays.
- Duologues the main genre (F/F, M/M, M/F).
- Monoplays for a single performer.
- Genres comedy, drama, melodrama, psychological, philosophical.
- Runtime of plays for two 20–45 minutes.
- Runtime of monoplays 10–25 minutes.
Why contemporary plays are convenient
- Easy to pronounce. No archaic expressions.
- Close to life. You can relate yourself to the character.
- Universal costume. No 19th-century sets needed.
- Universal stage. Any room or café will do.
- Resonance. The themes catch you not only literarily but personally.
Who this suits
- Amateur theaters no costumes and sets needed.
- Drama school students for practice with living language.
- Drama therapists contemporary themes resonate with clients.
- RFL teachers living speech of contemporaries.
- All adults for a literary encounter through Chitacle.
How to get the plays
A specific play can be requested as a file at chitacle.online@gmail.com — we'll send the file. You can specify a preferred genre and number of roles — we'll send a selection from the repertoire.
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.