Donate

Gennady Khazanov

A film still of a man sitting at a dressing room mirror with lights

In ‘The Humorist,’ Soviet comedy is no joke

September 18, 2019

Michael Idov’s new film, “The Humorist,” captures the oxymoronic nature of state-sanctioned Soviet comedy and the downfall of the system through the eyes of character, Boris Arkadiev.

Latest Headlines

UK officials looking to do away with some jury trials
Mechanical elephants replace real ones for ceremonies in South India
The future of Burkina Faso’s democracy is in question 
Four years since Ukrainian forces liberated the city of Bucha
An Azerbaijani city rises from ruins
From village songs to modern stages, Yagódy redefines Ukrainian folk music
In India, whimsical cars are public health intervention
Out of Eden Walk: Raising a glass to global wine
An Italian city takes on sub-par pasta
US Navy’s most advanced aircraft carrier arrives in Croatia for repairs as ground troops move to the Persian Gulf
More stories

The World is a public radio program that crosses borders and time zones to bring home the stories that matter.

Produced by

Thanks to our sponsor

  1. Progressive Insurance logo

Major funding provided by

  1. Carnegie Corporation of New York

  1. About
  2. Contact
  3. Donate
  4. Meet the Team
  5. Privacy
  6. Terms of use

©2026 The World from PRX

PRX is a 501(c)(3) organization recognized by the IRS: #263347402.