A good-humoured play, full of  meanings, played out in a devilish rhythm, in which Creanga's savoury speech interweaves with music and dance. A folk theatre performance, with masks, and full of endless energy; both characteristically Romanian, but also universal. And, not only a story, but a sum of metaphors. Ivan is maybe the most optimistic character in universal literature. He cheats death, touches God's heart and wins him over, while bringing the devils to heel by terrorizing them with his lust for life.