Hardly anybody can explain actions of a woman, especially the one endowed with supreme authority. No one knows the real reason of her actions, whether she is moved by the state requirements or the female jealousy. “Imperial Hunt” is a play written by Leonid Zorin (“Warsaw Melody”, “Pokrovsky Gate”) and based on a true story. Empress Ekaterina II sends the Count Aleksey Orlov to Venice in order to seduce the impostor Elizaveta, who claims to Russian throne, and bring her to Russia. However, a gust of passion for Elizaveta enflames in him, and so Aleksey has to choose between the true feeling and the obligation to the Empress. Aleksey Orlov (Vladimir Vdovichenkov) is in a dilemma: on one side stands tough, decisive Empress (Mariya Aronova) who embodies the image of a powerful woman, and on the other – tender, fragile and touching Elizaveta (Anna Dubroskaya). Vladimir Vdovichenkov creates a courageous, strong and manful image of Count Orlov, the image of a “man’s man” that is so rarely seen on stage today. Those who are used to see Mariya Aronova in comedies will run into a surprise. ”Imperial Hunt” allows you to discover unique dramatic talent of the actress.