I'm not familiar with the plays so I can't say if they would translate very well from one language to the other. But our cultures are very different and therefore I think the people are somewhat different. Russians tend to not be very compassionate to people that they don't know to levels that would be considered offensive in some other cultures. For example, if you were hurt or needed some sort of help, a Russian who doesn't know you is most likely going to avoid becoming involved. Why that is that way I don't know. Also Russians don't smile at each other in public and think cultures that do are some what shallow and dishonest.
But with that being said, my wifey does understand these things now. She does smile to people she doesn't know. And she is quite often shocked and amazed at how people help each other. And she has come to embrace these things. It just makes day to day existence easier.
So there ar difference but they are the normal differences in cultures I think.
Just my 2 cents worth.
And back to the insanity of the Russian highways....
The accident a 1:25 is insane.
Or the woman walking in high heals with her kids in the SNOW at 2:32
