Death of Joseph Stalin
Joseph Stalin lies unconscious in his bedroom after suffering a stroke, while his inner circle, including Lavrentiy Beria, Georgy Malenkov, and Nikita Khrushchev, whisper in the hallway about successi
Setting
Stalin's bedroom at his Kuntsevo Dacha, a modest yet heavily guarded residence near Moscow. The room is sparsely furnished with a large wooden bed, a bedside table with medical supplies, and a portrait of Lenin on the wall. The hallway outside is dimly lit, with shadows cast by the flickering light of a single bulb.
Characters
Joseph Stalin
primary
A heavyset man in his early 70s, with a thick mustache and receding hairline. His face is pale and drawn, with deep wrinkles and a pockmarked complexion from childhood smallpox. His breathing is labored and irregular.
Lavrentiy Beria
primary
A middle-aged man with a round face, thick glasses, and a receding hairline. His build is stocky, with a noticeable paunch. His eyes are small and calculating, often darting around the room. His hands are soft but his grip is firm, a testament to his years of bureaucratic power.
Georgy Malenkov
secondary
A middle-aged man with a round face, thinning dark hair combed back, and a slightly portly build. His eyes are small and calculating, with deep-set wrinkles that suggest constant stress. He has a clean-shaven face and wears round, wire-framed glasses that slightly magnify his eyes.
Nikita Khrushchev
secondary
A stout, middle-aged man with a round face, prominent ears, and a receding hairline. His eyes are sharp and observant, darting between his companions as he assesses the situation. He has a peasant's strong build, but carries himself with the cautious demeanor of a seasoned politician.
Nurse
background
A middle-aged woman in her late 40s, with a slender build and a tired but professional demeanor. Her hair is neatly pinned back under her nurse's cap, and her hands are steady despite the tense atmosphere. Her face shows signs of exhaustion, with faint lines around her eyes and mouth.
Guard
background
A tall, broad-shouldered man in his late 30s with a stern, clean-shaven face and short-cropped dark hair. His eyes are sharp and constantly scanning the surroundings, reflecting his training and vigilance.
Dialog
Lavrentiy Beria
The doctors say he will not last the night. The question is... what comes after.
Georgy Malenkov
According to protocol, the Presidium must convene immediately... but under the circumstances...
Nikita Khrushchev
Protocol won't feed the people, Georgy. The Party needs strong hands now.
Lavrentiy Beria
Strong hands... or perhaps just one strong hand. The NKVD stands ready to maintain order.
Georgy Malenkov
The Presidium must decide collectively... that is the Leninist way...
Nikita Khrushchev
Lenin also said 'Trust is good, control is better.' We should watch our steps carefully.
Lavrentiy Beria
Indeed. Some steps lead to... unfortunate accidents. The streets are icy this time of year.