Mask and Soul

"Mask and Soul" is an autobiographical book, first published in Paris in 1932, ten years after the artist's emigration, in which he recounts his 40 years on the theatrical stage. You will not see a full biography of life here, as Shalyapin himself wrote: "...this book aims to be an analytical biography of my soul and my art." In it, the author recreates scenes from theatrical life, reflects on the work of an actor, shares memories of Russia, talks about the people whom fate brought him together with, and what it is like to live away from home…