In celebration of the 150th anniversary of Anton Chekhov's birth, the Maly Drama Theatre of St. Petersburg, under the direction of Lev Dodin, performs one of Chekhov's most beloved plays, Uncle Vanya. Written in 1895, the humorous yet ultimately tragic tale explores themes of unrequited love, mortality, and the acceptance of fate. "It is the infinite compassion to the state of being human," says Dodin, "that makes Chekhov a true genius." Capable of exploring the darkest extremities and the highest manifestations of the human spirit, Maly Drama Theatre productions-performed by a resident company of actors in repertory- are emotionally and intellectually intense experiences which transcend cultural boundaries.
Five performances of Uncle Vanya will take place in the BAM Harvey Theater on April 7-10 at 7:30pm and on April 11 at 3pm. Tickets, priced at $20, 35, 45, and 55, are available through BAM.org or by calling BAM Ticket Services at 718.636.4100.
Performed in Russian with English titles Maly Drama Theatre's Uncle Vanya has been described by The Guardian (UK) as "...a beautiful production that has the stillness and luminosity of a great painting." The Evening Standard (UK) said of the work, "so finely attuned are the nine actors to both each other and the nuances of the text that the senses of longing, loss, and regret that pervade the play become so real they are almost tangible." The production is presented at BAM in its New York premiere. It was recently presented at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, University of Michigan, and University of North Carolina.
The cast of Uncle Vanya features Igor Ivanov (Professor Serebryakov), Ksenya Rappoport (Elena, his wife), Elena Kalinina (Sonya, his daughter from his first marriage), Tatiana Shuko (Madame Voynitskaya, the Professor's first wife's mother), Sergei Kurishev (Ivan Voynitsky/Uncle Vanya, Madame Voynitskaya's son), Igor Chernevich (Doctor Astrov), Alexander Zavyalov (Ilya Telegin), Vera Bikova (Marina, an old nurse), and Alexander Koshkarev (Servant).
About the Maly Drama Theatre of St. Petersburg and Artistic Director Lev Dodin Founded in war-torn Leningrad (St. Petersburg) in 1944, the Maly Drama Theatre of St. Petersburg has risen to become one of Russia's most renowned companies. Since 1983 the company has been led by critically acclaimed director Lev Dodin, known for his inventiveness, nuanced interpretations, and for drawing fearless performances out of his acting ensemble.
Called "the finest ensemble theatre in Europe" by legendary director Peter Brook, the company
has won the State Prize of Russia, the Golden Mask National Theatre Award, and a (UK)
Laurence Olivier Award, among others. Currently there are 56 permanent actors in the troupe, most of whom are former students of Lev Dodin and also longtime company members. Maly Drama Theatre last appeared at BAM with Gaudeamus: The Construction Battalion, as part of the 1994 Next Wave Festival.
Subway: 2, 3, 4, 5, Q, B to Atlantic Avenue;
D, M, N, R to Pacific Street; G to Fulton Street; C to Lafayette Avenue
Train: Long Island Railroad to Flatbush Avenue
Bus: B25, B26, B41, B45, B52, B63, B67 all stop within three blocks of BAM
Car: Commercial parking lots are located adjacent to BAM
For ticket and BAMbus information, call BAM Ticket Services at 718.636.4100, or visit BAM.org.
