Mystery Bouffe

work by Mayakovsky

Also known as: “Misteriya-buff”

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Last updated

July 1, 2026

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Misteriya-buff (also known as Mystery Bouffe) is a 1921 play by Vladimir Mayakovsky. It is a drama that depicts a universal flood and the subsequent triumph of the "Unclean" (proletarians) over the "Clean" (bourgeoisie). Mayakovsky, a leading poet of the Russian Revolution, wrote this work in support of the Bolsheviks. The play is characterized by its revolutionary themes and Mayakovsky's signature bold style, which aimed to be declamatory and accessible to mass audiences.12

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Vladimir Mayakovsky
…Misteriya buff (first performed 1921; Mystery Bouffe), a drama representing a universal flood and the subsequent joyful triumph of the “Unclean” (the proletarians) over the “Clean” (the bourgeoisie).
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…Misteriya buff (first performed 1921; Mystery Bouffe), a drama representing a universal flood and the subsequent joyful triumph of the “Unclean” (the proletarians) over the “Clean” (the bourgeoisie).
Read More