Udarnik

ударник (n.) - drummer, percussionist
ударник (n.) - shock-worker

A cold grey day today.  No more snow though.  This is the iconic Udarnik Theatre one of Moscow's oldest cinemas and the first one showing films with sound.  Now being converted into a modern art gallery.

The word "Udarnik" has several meanings: in a conventional sense, "a drummer";  in the Soviet context, it means "shockworker", someone who shows exceptional enthusiasm, productivity, and so on.  The cinema was named for the latter;  to emphasize the point, the opening was held on November 7th, 1931, and timed to coincide with the 14th anniversary of the October Revolution.

The structure was designed by Boris Iofan as an integral part of the 'House on the Embankment', at that time a residential complex for the government elite. Boris was also famous for submitting the winning bid for the Palace of the Soviets which was to be the world's tallest building but was never completed.

The Udarnik's curved roof was retractable, unique for its time.  However, it was opened only once - on opening day - and jammed and was never used again. 

Udarnik in 1970.