Kapustnik

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Kapustnik (which could be translated in English as "Cabbage-head") is the Russian (Soviet?) tradition of celebration. Generally, it is a medley of well-known songs, in which all the lyrics have been changed to celebrate (or poke fun at) the guests of honor. A typical Kapustnik may have several scenes, lasting approximately 10 minutes, and is performed by one or more singers/actors with piano accompaniment, or karaoke-style playback.

Outside of the party tradition, there is also a Kapustnik tradition in the Theatre. To have a Kapustnik, actors choose an evening when no performance is planned and show their own funny plays for each other. Although rarely is anyone from outside the Theatre's staff invited, many fans try to get in anyway. Due to their questionable copyright, Kapustniks can rarely be broadcast or recorded.

sample kapustnik, dedicated to the "Jubilee of a Department" - in Russian