Two weeks later the putsch took place. Somehow it was in the air that something was brewing. During this time people stopped going to the theatre because of the increase in criminal activities and the fact that, for example, it was dangerous for a woman to walk the streets of Moscow alone. People had no money, they could not afford the theatre tickets. In Russia it is part of everyday life that one goes regularly to the theatre.
Ordinary people go to the theatre.
Once again the theatres were full. And now you cannot get tickets. Another question is the content of the pieces being performed and the quality of the theatre. In other East European countries one observes attempts to commercialise theatre. Theatre in Soviet times was strongly characterised by the fact that it was possible to say things on the stage which one could not say on the streets or amongst friends.