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Groobs

I am about to take my Russian girlfriend to the Mariinsky theatre to see a ballet. On the website there are 2 prices, one for foreign nationals, one for Russians. For the ballet I want to see, the price is about 3800 Rubles -v- 700 Rubles respectively!

Obviously, the temptation is to have my g/f book two "Russian" tickets, but can anyone tell me if there is any kind of verification (other than the obvious tip of not speaking English when you pass the ticket attendant?) when you go?

The other thing that occurred to me (but I must admit not too strongly) was that maybe the prices for Russians are subsided by the foreign prices (thus allowing Russians who could not otherwise go to see the ballet….. so would I be doing anyone out of the chance to go see something?) - or is it just a hangover from the Soviet era that is out of line with real life Russia- anyone have any thoughts on that too?

Kesha · Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2006 11:54 pm Post subject:

I went to this theatre in 2001 with a Russian ticket, not knowing there were 2 different prices. A little babushka spotted me as non-Russian immediately and told me I would have to pay more $ to see the show. My Russian friend, who bought the tickets protested (I thought they were going to get in a fist fight from the tone of their voices and the expressions on their faces). I was finally granted admittance with the ticket I bought on the grounds I had a 1 year, multi-entry, business visa. I don't like confrontation, and would prefer going the tourist route if I'm ever in that situation again.
Hope you enjoy the show!

Generation P · Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2006 11:58 pm Post subject:

In Russia all major museums and theatres have double prices for foreigners. You can avoid those prices by learning to speak really good Russian and behaving like russian in public. Or you can ask your Russian friend go and buy those tickets for you. But still, be careful in theatre, behave like a russian. Good luck Smile

surfguy · Lounge Wizard Joined: 13 Apr 2006 Posts: 6996

I passed and got through on a russian price

Kesha · Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2006 5:53 am Post subject:

nikir · Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2006 11:53 am Post subject:

Groobs · Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2006 1:25 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the thoughts on this - meantime, I have done a very un-scientific poll of my Russian friends here. Seems its almost exactly 50-50 of those who are certain I would not get in with a Russian ticket (because I don’t look/dress/sound/act Russian enough!) and those who are certain it will be no problem, and that the only check will be when someone buys the ticket, and I can get my GF to buy 2 Russian tickets easily.

So, I guess its a question of do I want to risk it! Confused

It would be a real downer to get excluded on the night,,,,, On the other hand, the 3000-odd Rubles could be better spent!

nikir · Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2006 2:36 pm Post subject:

50/50 is about it if you get your friend to get your tickets. It all depends on the lady on guard duty and how much job satisfaction she craves. I'd take the gamble, after all the worst case scenario would be to make up the difference or slip the guard a vzatochka and keep the tradition alive.

jo jo 7 · Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2006 2:49 pm Post subject:

nikir,

I will be traveling to Russia next year, of course I won't be able to pass as a russian because I am a redhead and I will probably look like a lost tourist, but if you are a college student can you use your ID to get good rates. I know I should go to the travel forum but also what is a VZATOCHKA?

Wink

nikir · Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2006 3:38 pm Post subject:

jojo 7 you will be absolutely amazed at the number of reheads there are in Russia. Not just ordinary readheads either but all shades and ages. But regardless of that you will for sure stick out as a tourist on your first visit.

As far as student ID goes I don't know as I'm a little past that stage of my life. Probably someone will read this and give you the good oil on it.

A vzatochka is when you slip someone a few roubles to get them to look the other way and let you pass, common practice with the militia, especially in Moscow around the tourist haunts and railway stations, beware.

TrevorM · Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2006 5:01 pm Post subject:

Groobs, give it a go.

1) Get your GF to buy the tickets.

2) Dress smart like the average Russian going to the theatre (suit and tie if possible).

3) Try to arrive just after the performance has started, hang back behind your GF and look angry about being late so that no one will want to risk a conversation.

4) Let your GF do the talking.

It worked for me. Wink

One other thing - try and get seats towards the back of the theatre. In Swan Lake, the ballerinas all look pretty and dainty, but sit too close to the stage and they sound like a herd of elephants!

surfguy · Lounge Wizard Joined: 13 Apr 2006 Posts: 6996

krasatulya · VIP Joined: 29 May 2005 Posts: 577

This is a little of topic, but since we're talking about purchasing tickets, and potentially hostile booth employees, I thought I would throw out this gem. While in the Hermitage, my husband and I saw a kiosk that had lots of listings for ballets, folk shows, and other events plastered on it. It was a little convoluted, and hard to decipher the show times, so my husband asked the young lady working there if she could help him with times and prices. No joke, the woman glanced up from her book (with a look of shear hatred) and said, "Can't you read?" and proceeded to read her book. So, there's an example of an extreme case you may run into.

Also, while at the Black Sea with his brother and gf, we went to a little outdoor restaurant to grab lunch. When his brother asked if we could have some menus, the waitress looked at him and said, "Get them yourself!" It was actually pretty hysterical because it was just so shocking how rude people could be, and get away with it!

surfguy · Lounge Wizard Joined: 13 Apr 2006 Posts: 6996

I got yelled at when I was trying to buy my metro tokens and I just laughed at the girl! Plus when I went to buy some cheese at market-the counter person was so rude too. It is unbelievable. My former GF's friend is coming to the states and will visit me...I will be sure and show her the hospitality that we have here and she will see how much better life can be. Rude people suck. But I did meet a lot of friendly people in Russia so yes these are the exceptions. Sat next to a guy on the plane ride over and he was super helpful and a good genuine person.

Generation P · Posted: Wed Nov 22, 2006 3:26 am Post subject: