A unique performance of Chekhov’s great play re-imagined for Conway Hall.
A large cast, a transformed Conway Hall, dancing for actors and audience, free vodka, all bring to life Chekhov’s sublime text.
Chekhov’s original play concerns an aristocratic Russian woman and her family as they return to their family estate (which includes a large cherry orchard) just before it is auctioned to pay the mortgage. While presented with options to save the estate, the family essentially does nothing and the play ends with the sale of the estate to the son of a former serf; the family leaves to the sound of the cherry orchard being cut down. The story presents themes of cultural futility – both the futile attempts of the aristocracy to maintain its status and of the bourgeoisie to find meaning in its new-found materialism. In reflecting the socio-economic forces at work in Russia at the turn of the 20th century, including the rise of the middle class after the abolition of serfdom in the mid-19th century and the sinking of the aristocracy, the play reflects forces at work around the globe in that period.
Since the first production at the Moscow Art Theatre, this play has been translated and adapted into many languages and produced around the world, becoming a classic work of dramatic literature.
So special is the task of bringing together the company of artists for this production, it will be given just one performance.
The Cast
Madame Ranevsky, the owner of the cherry orchard: Amanda Croft
Anya, her daughter: Rachel Griffiths
Varya, her adopted daughter: Cecilia Gell
Gaev, brother of Madame Ranevsky: Geoff Nursey
Lopakhin, a merchant: Neil Thomson
Trofimov, a student: Sean Bruno
Semyonov-Pishtchik, a landowner: Rus Kallan
Charlotta Ivanovna, a governess: Penelope Diamond
Epihodov, a clerk: Joseph Roi
Dunyasha, a maidservant: Katie Michaels
Firs, an old servant: Patricia Holden
Yasha, a young valet: James Mensah
A tramp: Jonathan Henwood
Servants, party-goers & dancers: Lieve Carchon, Satu Jokinen, Bree Morrison, Chris Savage-King, Roberta Gotti, Leila Lloyd-Evelyn
Guests: the audience
Costumes: Liz Turner
Dance: Jane Turner
Director: Luke Dixon
Tickets: £10 for members of Conway Hall Ethical Society, £20 standard.
