Nikolai Erdman Nikolai Erdman (1902-1970) was a Russian playwright from Moscow. His first play, The Mandate (1925) was a huge success after it premiered in a production directed by Meyerhold. However, The Suicide (1928) was banned, leading to the premture demise of his career. Describing his work Robert Leach, formerly of the University of Birmingham, wrote that "These two plays combine a kaleidoscope of virtuoso dramatic effects with quickfire punning dialogue to creat disturbing political farce. Erdman transforms the depressing selfishness of everyone (the 'little man' as much as the pwerful) by the energy of the action into a life-enhancing celebration of humanity. The Suicide, which first appeared outside the Soviet Union in 1969, became popular in Erdman's homeland after its first performance in Moscow in 1982." Read More Read Less