A Life for the Tsar also known as "Ivan Susanin", is a patriotic-heroic tragic opera in four acts with an epilogue by Mikhail Ivanovich Glinka (Russian Classical Music Composer). The historical basis of the plot involves Ivan Susanin, a patriotic hero of the early 17th century. Photo Shows: Scene from the opera, produced by the Marrinsky Theatre, St Petersburg. From left to right: Susanin as played by M.M. Karyakin, Antonida as played by M.A. Mikhailova, Sabinin as played by M.D. Vassiliev, Vanya as played by M.I. Dolina. 1886 Supplied By: SCRSS - Society for Co-operation in Russian & Soviet Studies.