Human Abysses: “Chelovecheskie bezdny is an excellent sample of the “high style”, brought to perfection in Yevgeni Bauer’s melodramas. A stage set designer by training, Bauer relied on drapes, curtains and columns, which divided the set into sections but were also used to disguise the lights. Wall ledges, fireplaces and couches served the same purpose. All this led to an impressive depth and at times provided an almost stereoscopic effect.“ Peter Bagrov