The fear of seeming pushy stops many people. Don't approach, don't write, don't suggest — just so as not to be 'that one'. Chitacle is arranged so that pushiness is off the table in principle: you're not persuading anyone, you're reading together.
Where the fear of 'being pushy' comes from
Contemporary culture is very sensitive to 'personal boundaries'. That's a good thing — but it produces a side effect: the fear of crossing a line becomes stronger than the desire to grow closer. Better nothing at all than 'too much'.
This is especially true for those raised to be polite: every attempt to initiate contact looks internally like 'imposing yourself'. So those people don't write first, don't call without a reason, don't suggest a meeting — even when they really want to.
Why an ordinary first meeting triggers this fear
- You have to approach first 'what if it's a bad moment'.
- You have to keep the conversation going 'what if it's pushy'.
- You have to invite them to a next meeting 'what if it's too soon'.
- You have to write again later 'what if you've been forgotten'.
- Constant self-censorship.
What Chitacle removes
In Chitacle the initiator and the partner are equal from the very start. Both agreed to a meeting with a play. Both came to read. Nobody 'brought' or 'convinced' anyone.
Reading by roles is a symmetrical action: you speak, the partner speaks. Alternating lines is built into the form. Nobody has the role of 'persistent suitor' — both get equal parts of the text.
Why this suits the 'polite'
- You don't need to be the first to suggest anything.
- You don't need to invent reasons for the next meeting.
- You don't need to write 'how are you' the relationship after the meeting may not continue, and that's fine.
- You don't need to apologize for taking initiative there wasn't any.
- You can speak calmly because you came to speak in a role.
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.