In 1990 Roman Viktyuk put on the Vakhtangov stage an English melodrama with cold and imperious L. Maksakova in the lead, sharp work of E. Karelskikh and plastic V. Zaitsev from Yermolov Theatre in the role of a young hero.

For several years, Viktyuk became a significant directorial figure for the theatre, supporting the love of the Vakhtangists for the penetrating, bold pattern, theatricality demonstratively avoiding any life-resemblance.