Russia has a long and proud tradition in theater. And even as of today Russians still back the live theater on a massive scale. Even if theater has seen competition multiply with unlimited number of entertainment options now available it is still able to hold its own.
Even in the suburbs of a city like Moscow you will find fully functioning theaters. The season runs from September and until the end of May.
The grand masters of the Russian tradition are the likes of Pushkin, Gogol, and Chekhov. Pushkin in the national poet of Russia. Chekhov is a main contributor to the tradition with a significant number of plays to his name.