Someone Else's Wealth Does Not Serve Anyone

The action takes place at the end of XVIII century at the suburb of Nesvizh

ACT I

Scene 1. At the house of Chuzhepank.

Kasya is sad. Again her father does not give his consent to her marriage with Janak. “All work is falling from my hands; my heart thirsts for love only” – sings the girl of her aching. The father walks in, and the old quarrel resumes.

The father is adamant that he will give his daughter only to a gentry man. Moreover, soon he will procure for Kasya a rich dowry. How?

“The old prince hid the treasure – and that is not a lie!” – tells Chuzhepank, but his daughter only mocks his fantastic ideas to find the Radzivill treasure. With a shovel, Chuzhepank heads for the next “dig”.

Through a window Janak gets into the house. The lovers kiss passionately, but it is necessary to quickly come up with an idea how to convince the stubborn Chuzhepank. Janak puts into one of Chuzhepank’s books a sheet of paper and promises to Kasya that as early as tomorrow they will be engaged…

Scene 2. The stage of the Radzivill Theatre..

There is a rehearsal at the Nesvizh theatre. Guided by the comments of French balletmaster Jan, the actors perform minuet and gavotte.

Janak runs in and interrupts the dances. Accompanied by bursts of laughter of his friends/colleagues, he is staging a “production” of a horrible mystery, in which the actors change into devils, goblins and other evil spirits. Tonight the performance will take place for the single spectator – Chuzhepank….

ACT2

Scene 3. At the house of Chuzhepank.

Chuzhepank is immersed into reading ancient books, where he hopes to find some information regarding Radzivill treasure. He counts on a magician to help him understand the language of spells.

Unexpectedly Janak comes in and reports that he had brought a real magician. Chuzhepank receives the “magician” without suspecting that his role is played by the balletmaster Jan.

Janak translates to Chuzhepanak the unknown language and pantomime of the magician: in order to dispel the charms from the Radzivill’s treasure, it is necessary to come at night to the Devil’s mountain and bring a sack with money. Chuzhepank is in doubt. Where is the Devil’s mountain located? As if translating magician’s words, Janak asks Chuzhepank to open the book. A map falls out of it, with the sought place marked with a cross. Chuzhepank feigns that he did not believe in the forecast and says good bye to the guests. However, as soon as they are off, he takes the money out of the hiding place and heads for the road…

Scene 4. At the Devil’s mountain.

Chuzhepank comes to the place and stops near a pole with a sign “Leave the money here”. A horrible whistle is heard, fantastical creatures start to circle. Janak, dressed as a magician, threatens to turn Chuzhepank into a grass-snake. Scared, Chuzhepank drops the money and flees for his life…

Scene 5. At the house of Chuzhepank.

Kasya is dreaming about the happiness with her beloved. Her father bursts into the room and tells her of his scary experience. Kasya hardly contains her laughter.

Having heard a knock, Chuzhepank hides under the bed. Janak comes in dressed as a magician. Kasya feigns that she is calling Janak for help and he comes in, as if he’s heard her. The young man stages his duel with the “magician”, presenting himself as a fearless savior.

Having undressed quickly, Janak rescues Chuzhepank from his hiding place. Taking advantage of the circumstances, the young people throw themselves down to their knees and ask for a blessing. The father has no choice but to give it. A consolation is the sack with money, which was reportedly taken by Janak from the villain…

Scene 6. At the house of Chuzhepank.

Chuzhepank greets the actors of the Radzivill theatre, who come to congratulate the young couple with the engagement. The father promises to the daughter and her fiancé not to look any more for the “wealth, which does not serve anyone”. He has realized that his happiness is in the happiness of his daughter…