About the book: 1999 / The plot is based on real events of the Peter the Great era. The court jester of Peter the Great, Ivan Balakirev, a participant in the emperor’s favorite festivities and buffoonery, by the will of circumstances finds himself involved in complex relationships at court and in the emperor’s family. “The Jester Balakirev” is the last play by Grigory Gorin. According to Mark Zakharov, the playwright finished work on the play several hours before his death. He did not see the premiere of the play.