Audible Theatre Collection: Chekhov
Despite his early death from tuberculosis at the age of 44, Chekhov was a prolific writer and produced more than 250 short stories in addition to several novellas and a novel. The Russian was also a practicing doctor. A celebrated playwright, Anton Chekhov is often recognised as an influential figure of early modernism of the theatre in addition to being held in high esteem by the likes of George Bernard Shaw and Virginia Woolf, although much praise was not as forthcoming until after his death in 1904. This collection features three plays. Dark comedy The Seagull , is the first of what are considered his 'major plays'. Three Sisters tells the story of a trio of sisters lonely after their father dies and The Cherry Orchard has a dual comedy and tragedy narrative. The Seagull Written in 1895 and a master class in the art and power of subtext, The Seagull follows the romantic and artistic conflicts between its four main characters, all dissatisfied with life. Some desire love. Some desire success. Some desire artistic genius. No one seems able to attain happiness. Tragic and often darkly comic, The Seagull is a timeless classic and an early exercise in addressing the pitfalls of depression and lack of satisfaction in life and purpose. Full cast: Samantha Bond, Catrin Stewart, Freddie Fox, Anthony Howell, Katherine Kingsley, John Rowe, Rachel Atkins, Hugh Ross, Nick Boulton, Stephen Critchlow. Three Sisters After the death of their father, his three daughters find it very hard to live in a drab Russian provincial town. The presence of a company of army officers is the only thing that makes their existence bearable, though inevitable drama, competition and failure lead to confusion and pain, as life doesn't turn out quite to plan for the sisters. Full cast: Samatha Bond, Freddie Fox, Katherine Kingsley, Alison Pettitt, Catrin Stewart, C
