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"Maskerad" will take place on the main stage of the Penza Drama Theater from October 17 to 23, 2025. The creative forum is organized by the drama theater with support from Penza Oblast Governor Oleg Melnichenko, the regional government, and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. This cultural event has been held since 2014.  
Festival details and this year's special features were announced by Minister of Culture and Tourism Sergei Bychkov, People's Artist of Russia and Artistic Director of the Penza Drama Theater Sergei Kazakov, and Chairman of the Penza Regional Branch of the Russian Theater Workers Union Vitaly Sokolov.  
This year's festival celebrates the 155th anniversary of Aleksandr Kuprin, featuring not only adaptations of his works but also other performances connected to this theme. All productions can be attended through the "Pushkin Card" program, implemented since 2025 under the national "Family" project.  
"The festival has become traditional and gained recognition as a prominent theater event far beyond our region. Each year it follows a unifying theme that attracts leading theater companies from across Russia. The program focuses on stage adaptations of Russian classical literature, which is particularly relevant today," noted Sergei Bychkov regarding the event's significance.  
The minister also shared that this year's festival will expand beyond its usual format: "We've incorporated new events including creative meetings where finalists from the 'Theatrical Volga Region' youth festival will interact with visiting actors and directors. A masterclass on public speaking for participants of the 'Heroes of Penza Krai' program is also scheduled."  
Sergei Kazakov announced the festival's grand opening will be held at the theater on October 17 at 18:30, featuring performers from the drama theater, the Zarechny Youth Theater, and participants from the "First Violin" acting workshop.  
"Two different adaptations of Kuprin's 'The Pit' are programmed: one as drama, another as tragic comedy. While based on the same work, they represent distinct artistic visions. We don't aim to compare productions, as comparisons are irrelevant in creative work," informed Kazakov.  
Vitaly Sokolov emphasized: "Despite Kuprin's great love for theater, his works rarely appear on stage. Only about twenty Kuprin adaptations have been produced in Russia since the late 20th century. This festival's presentation of multiple Kuprin performances by leading Russian and Belarusian theaters is therefore particularly valuable."  
Photo provided by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Penza Oblast.