Lenin's Embalmers
- Publisher
- Playwrights Canada Press
- Initial publish date
- Apr 2011
- Category
- Canadian, Russian & Former Soviet Union
-
Paperback / softback
- ISBN
- 9780887549700
- Publish Date
- Apr 2011
- List Price
- $16.95
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Description
When Boris Zbarsky and Vladimir Vorobiev, two Jewish biochemists, are recruited by Josef Stalin to embalm Lenin after his death, both men are pushed to their limits in preserving the former Soviet leader so that he may physically live forever. Driven by fear and fame, both men attempt to achieve the impossible, but discover a dark secret. If they should succeed the rewards will be boundless, but failure can bring only one outcome. Based on a true story, Governor General's Literary Award winning playwright Vern Thiessen brings us a dark comedy that brings to light the resilience of the human spirit, ever-changing war games, and the importance of always having vodka on hand.
About the author
Vern Thiessen is one of Canada’s most produced playwrights. His plays have been translated into five languages and have been seen around the world. Vern is the recipient of the Dora Mavor Moore and Elizabeth Sterling Haynes awards for Outstanding New Play, the Carol Bolt Award, the Gwen Pharis Ringwood Award, and the Governor General’s Literary Award for Drama, Canada’s highest honour for a playwright. He has served as president of both the Playwrights Guild of Canada and the Writers Guild of Alberta and was artistic director of Workshop West Playwrights’ Theatre for six seasons. He is married to acclaimed screenwriter and novelist Susie Moloney.
Awards
- Short-listed, Governor General's Literary Award - Drama
Editorial Reviews
"A spunky dark comedy served up with wit and verve." —The New York Times
The New York Times
