Playbill

14 January 1907

Paper, printing

71,2х55,9

Irkutsk often had to contend with floods. The Angara River overflowed its banks not only in summer, during rain-induced high water, but also in winter, during freeze-up. One such disaster occurred in mid-January 1907. The poster dated 14 January announces an amateur performance held almost immediately after the disaster. V.A. Krylov’s comedy “Na khlebakh iz milosti” was staged at the club of the Society for Mutual Assistance of Shop Assistants. The poster states that the performance was held “for the benefit of poor residents of Irkutsk and Balagansk uyezds affected by the flooding of the Angara River”. Ticket prices ranged “from 3 rubles to 75 kopecks, including the charitable contribution.” These prices may be compared with the cost of a cab ride at the time: according to local provincial records, one could travel from the town to the railway station for 90 kopecks during the day and for 1 ruble 20 kopecks at night.

КП 310370/669/2305