Russian People and Their Lifestyle
Russians consider themselves a well-educated nation. They read a lot. Books in Russia are cheap, and most people can afford to buy 5-10 books a month. Russians are also very fond of live performances at the theatre, a stunning range of options is available to everyone, including opera, symphony concerts, musicals, ballet, drama, etc.
Every city has at least one theatre. The theatre culture was developed during Soviet times. The agent would distribute tickets to every business and school in his area, and the person responsible for the "culture sector" would organize collective visit to the theatre. This is how most Russian people developed their taste for live performances. Nowadays, there is a growing variety in the types of theatre performances available, extending from Russian plays and Shakespeare, to gypsies and contemporary interpretations. Cinemas are becoming more and more popular in Russia.
During Soviet times, there was a well-developed system of community work, and in every group. In this period, everything belonged to the State, and the State controlled distribution and awarded the most active citizens. Only after Perestroika did property become privatised. The system of volunteering was largely broken with Perestroika, but Russians still have an unwavering community spirit.