"Hard to be a God" (1970s) by Dmitry Fedorovich Bogorodsky translates the Strugatsky brothers' 1964 science fiction novel into a powerful theatrical backdrop. This work demonstrates how science fiction and theatre provided safe spaces to address philosophical questions through symbolic art that might otherwise face state censorship.

The composition centers on a nude male figure arching backwards in the foreground, his form dramatically lit in fierce orange against deep purple shadows. Gothic arches stretch into the dark background, each framing small silhouetted figures engaged in violent acts. These architectural elements create a rhythmic progression into space, resembling medieval scenes of oppression. Bogorodsky's theatrical expertise shows in his masterful manipulation of lighting effects, using stark contrasts to create depth and drama. The interplay of light and shadow defines the scene’s emotional weight, creating a compelling sense of unease and urgency, while the protagonist's twisted pose dominates the foreground plane, amplifying the psychological tension.