Woland's Visit to Styopa Likhodeev

Stepan Likhodeev, director of the Variety Theatre, wakes up with a severe hangover in his apartment, which he shares with the late Berlioz. He finds Woland in his bedroom, along with his retinue: Koroviev, Behemoth, and Azazello. Woland reveals that Likhodeev signed a contract for a black magic performance. The retinue accuses Likhodeev of incompetence and corruption, and Azazello magically transports him to Yalta. The scene establishes Woland's power and his takeover of the apartment.