Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District was Shostakovich's latest success! This was its 4th showing this week. You sat next to Shostakovich as the first, second, and third acts of the show went on without a hitch. But as the fourth act commenced, a noise from the back of the hall made heads turn. The private box in the back of the theatre opened and Joseph Stalin and his retinue stormed out.

Did that… just happen?

Despite everything, the show must go on. So on it went. It finally ended, and actors were taking their bows. When Shostakovich's small frame was beckoned onstage to bow, you could see he was white as a sheet.