- Noted for its fresh and positive approach, extraordinary vitality, and fearless acceptance of life in its good and bad manifestations, this book shows young Russians" minds and souls. The plays focus on the painful problem of neglected children abused or abandoned by alcoholic single mothers, and the children"s thirst for the love and understanding they are not getting. The four young authors are winners of the top prizes for drama. Living in different parts of Russia (Siberia, the Urals, and the Volga) and writing in different styles, they share a deep interest in people"s inner lives, following the tradition of Anton Chekhov.