Backstage Story by Anton Chekhov. Short summary

5 seconds

An entrepreter hides under a young actress’ couch, hiding from his mistress’ husband. He promises the girl a pay raise if she does not turn him in. But later he retracts his words.

1 minute

A young actress changes for a play. The girl strips naked and begins to put on her costume. Suddenly she hears a sigh.

She finds the entrepreneur Indyukov under the sofa. The indignant artist demands that the man leave immediately. But he begs to remain under the sofa.

He explains that he is hiding in her room not to peep, and in order to hide from the angry husband of his mistress. After all, Indyukov has not only indulged in debauchery with his wife, but also owes the man a lot of money.

The entrepreneur promises her a substantial raise and a half-benefit. He vows to fulfill his obligations, and the girl allows him to stay.

When she returns after the performance, Indyukov refuses to honour his promise. After all, he has mistaken a stranger for his mistress’ husband.