57: The harsh reality of magic fountains

Time: Unknown. Location: Lesya Ukrainka Russian Drama Theatre Kiev.

The theater's walls glow like golden cloths. The chandelier in the center of the high vaulted ceiling acts as a petite sun bathing the guests in majesty. The seats and balconies are overflowing, today is a full house. The red curtain rises so softly that it seems magical. The lights are dimmed except for a few spotlights whose beams focus on the star of the show: Natasha.

The opera's songs tell stories, and although the background scenery and actors change, the bulk of the stares and sighs are exclusive to Natasha. When she sings the audience is lifted above the clouds, and in her absence the audience feels it has lost a precious treasure. The orchestra harmonizes the scenes that seem to be taken from a fairy tale or a Greek tragedy.