Alexei Maximovich Peshkov primarily known as Maxim Gorky, was a Russian and Soviet writer, a founder of the socialist realism literary method, and a political activist. He was also a five-time nominee for the Nobel Prize in Literature. Gorky's works include: The Lower Depths, Twenty-six Men and a Girl, The Song of the Stormy Petrel, My Childhood, Mother, Summerfolk and Children of the Sun.

Nina Raine is a theatre director and playwright. His plays include: an adaptation with Moses Raine of Maxim Gorky's Summerfolk (London's National Theatre, 2026); Bach and Sons (London's Bridge Theatre, 2021); Stories (National Theatre, 2018); Consent (National Theatre, 2017; West End, 2018); Tiger Country (Hampstead Theatre, London, 2011); Tribes (London's Royal Court, 2010, and NYC's Barrow Street Theatre; winner of the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award and a Drama Desk Award); and Rabbit (Old Red Lion and West End, 2006; winner of the Evening Standard Award for Most Promising Playwright).

Moses Raine is a screenwriter and playwright. His plays include: an adaptation with Nina Raine of Maxim Gorky's Summerfolk (London's National Theatre, 2026); Donkey Heart (Trafalgar Sudios and Old Red Lion, Islington); Before You Were Born (Trafalgar Studios); Shrieks of Laughter (Soho Theatre, 2006); and The Survival Handbook (2004, shortlisted for the Verity Bargate Award). His work for television includes Mistresses (BBC).