Boris Godunov

Prologue
Shortly before Godunov's coronation. Instead of attending official events, Godunov spends his time at the bed of his sick, paralyzed son, Fyodor. The terrified mind of the ruler imposes a filter of subjective visions on objective events. In official messages to the people gathered outside the palace, the Staff explains the ruler's temporary indisposition.
Before accepting the crown Godunov meets with hierarchs of the Uniate Church. Pimen, the highest hierarch, is a staunch opponent of the ruler. Both play a diplomatic courtesy, Godunov forces himself and kisses Pimen's ring.
Godunov's speech during the coronation captivates the people. Boris with his reign sincerely hopes to end the period of anarchy and chaos in which the country was plunged.

Act 1
Six years later. Pimen makes one of his adepts, Grigory, believe that he is the reincarnation of Tsarevich, who was murdered by the ruling tsar. Grigory becomes the Pretender.
On his way to Godunov, the Pretender and two monks stop at a provincial inn. Entry of a brutal squad of special forces looking for the Pretender ends in a slaughter. Monks murder the patrol in cold blood.

Act 2
Godunov is exhausted after years of rule. Seeing his daughter in mourning for her fiancé, he feels that not only he has lost, but his entire family too. Fyodor, boasting about his first steps on crutches, spreads a vision of how he will rule in the future. Godunov, hiding his tears, nods in agreement with his son's illusions.
One of Godunov's close associates, Shuysky, senses that he can profit politically from the tsar's weakness. He manipulates Godunov. They recall events in Uglich. It occurs to him what he has done. He has a vision of an angelic figure of the dead Tsarevich in shining armor, resembling the Pretender. Is the Pretender, heading for the palace with his growing army, an angel of vengeance?

Act 3
The rebellious parliamentarians believe the Pretender’s propaganda. Parliament, in euphoria, turns against Godunov.
Godunov has another nightmare. Murdered children from Uglich surround him. Terrified Godunov sees his son Fyodor walking on crutches. The sick child looks at him with hatred and reproach. He accuses him of the crime.
In reality, Fyodor has a high fever and is delirious. Fyodor continues Yurodivy’s accusation, saying that Godunov butchered Tsarevich. Listening to this, his father holds his hand and cries.

Act 4
The parliamentarians change their minds and are unable to reconcile. Situation changes when Godunov appears. Shadow of a man on the verge of madness, drained by the guilt. Shuysky mocks him in front of everyone. When Pimen, who is Godunov's greatest enemy, enters, the hall fills with anxiety.
He speaks of a specter of the murdered Tsarevich, which, like a relic, heals people. He provokes Godunov, who confesses his crimes in a fit of madness. The Pretender enters the room with an army of monks. The parliamentarians panic.
Godunov tells his son of his impending death and apologizes to him. He comforts Fyodor that he will soon be the ruler. We hear the sound of a bell. Pretender’s monks come for Godunov.

FINALE
A sequence of collective execution. On the floor above, we watch The Pretender, who proclaims himself the new tsar.