Everyone intrigued by Russia is talking about Tom Stoppard's new trilogy of plays at the National Theatre, The Coast of Utopia. Now the Hermitage Rooms offer a study day that takes you behind those marvellous speeches and explains the historical context - which sowed the seeds of Revolution.

Under Nicholas I, Emperor of Russia (1825-55) and self-declared champion of 'Autocracy, Orthodoxy and Nationality', despotism reached an unseasonable high point. Repression, censorship and estrangement from State affairs gave birth to a subversive element within Russia's educated nobility. The word 'intelligentsia' was coined to describe them.

At the Sudy Day, Nicholas' complex character will be re-assessed. Curators from The State Hermitage Museum will talk about the taste of the autocrat Tsar, who created the palace where they now work, and the intellectuals he encouraged and invited to court - unlike the members of the new 'intelligentsia' whom he had arrested and exiled. Prof Frederick Kagan from West Point, New York, will talk about the Tsar's brilliant mind applied to army reform. Dr. Stephen Lovell from King's College, London, will highlight the trials of censorship. Other British scholars include Prof. Simon Dixon from Leeds University, Prof Derek Offord from Bristol University and Prof David Saunders from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. One of the actors from the National Theatre, Will Keen who plays the literary critic Belinsky, will talk about discovering his character. The presentations will afford not only an intimate portrait of the Tsar and his court - that incited the opposition of the characters in Stoppard's plays - but also a valuable insight into a crucial stage in the making of modern Russia.
Booking Information

Remaining tickets for the study are reduced to £10 (from £55)and include a free visit to the current exhibition at the Hermitage Rooms, Painting, Passion and Politics: Masterpieces from the Walpole Collection, morning coffee, lunch and tea. Registration will start at 9.30 am and the study day will finish at 6 pm. To book please ring or email Aisha Jung at the Hermitage Rooms, Somerset House, on 020 7845 4635 or aisha@somerset-house.org.uk and pick up the tickets on the day.