Большая игра два раза

In this paper the author gives a detailed analysis and interpretation of the Futurist Il'ia Zdanevich's play “ianko krul' albanskai”. This piece is actually a “double text” or a “text within text”, the second text consisting of single isolated syllables that provide clues for the interpretation of Zdanevich's essentially multilingual play. It is largely based on real historical events: the invitation to the throne of Albania of the German Prince zu Wied (1914–1916). The play abounds in further historical and literary references. In an appendix the author provides a detailed interpretation of a number of word forms occurring in the play.