The Three Sisters, Anton Chekhov

In the past, Mike and I often noted that Chekhov wrote only one play with four different titles.  In retrospect, we found it difficult to distinguish in our memories between productions of the various plays.  This production--continuing a pattern established earlier this summer with Katona Josef Theatre Company of Hungary's Ivanov--is memorable.  

Much of the credit for this goes to the fine translation.  Then, the production works to distinguish each character from the others with recognizable traits and quirks.  For instance, Masha is first seen reclining, and she frequently takes that pose throughout the play.  Solyony, on the other hand, punctuates the scenes with odd clucking/crowing noises.  Most importantly, the production works to make sense of every line.  In doing so, the audience is repeatedly prepared for the lines long before the characters' words are delivered.

One of the great pleasures in attending this performance was the audience, which included a large number of students who are part of the Festival's Shakespeare Summer School.  They were thoroughly engaged with the play, audibly sighing, gasping, and even crying.  How could one fail to be moved when those about were so obviously touched?

Recommend.