Anton Chekhov’s plays are often considered to be among the biggest challenges in theatre. It is hard to emulate Chekhov’s comic timing, the melancholic undertone, his offbeat characters and his distinct class commentary. Indie theatre company A Family of Strangers attempts to tackle this in A Chekhov Triptych, a selection of Chekhov’s three one-act plays that is bound to entertain.
The show kicks off with The Dangers of Tobacco, wherein a timid husband, Nyukhin (Conor Gallacher) attempts to give a public lecture on the dangers of smoking, but ends up wildly digressing, divulging details about the pathetic remnants of his tormented personal life. The Dangers of Tobacco is more pitiful than revolting, and it consists of the right amount of humour to set the mood for the night.
In The Bear, a grieving widow, Popova (Devon Lang Wilton) meets a robust, ill-mannered merchant, Smirnov (Stefan Bramble), who demands money owed by her deceased husband. With its staged antics and sharp dialogue, The Bear is a truly Chekhovian vaudeville that’s bound to entertain. Lastly, in Swan Song, an aging actor, Svetlovidov (Rhys McConnochie) reminisces about his life and acting career. With Svetlovidov’s laments about the nature of the human condition, Swan Song is perhaps the closest to tragedy of the three plays.
Chekhov’s idiosyncratic characters are brought to life by an excellent cast. Wilton’s Popova is simply remarkable – her expressive eyes and exaggerated demeanour akin to the likes of Gloria Swanson’s Norma Desmond.
Directed by Brigid Gallacher, A Chekhov Triptych effortlessly succeeds in capturing Chekhov’s light comedic mood, while teasingly flirting with the darker moments of tragedy therein. Featuring live music by jazz singer Rachel Zbukvic, Casey-Scott Corless’s simple yet refined set design, and Hannah Cuthbertson’s rich costuming, the stage is impeccably set to encapsulate late 19th-century Russia.
A Chekhov Triptych is a delightfully intriguing production. The hour-long show deftly displays the works of the Russian playwright, and the cast’s engrossing performance is spectacular.
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
A Chekhov Triptych
Three short plays by Anton Chekhov: The Dangers of Tobacco, The Bear and Swan Song
Directed by Brigid Gallacher
Produced by Sam Farringdon
Set Design: Casey-Scott Corless
Costume Design: Hannah Cuthbertson
Lighting Design: Cail Young
Design Assistant: Tessa Pitt
Executive Producer: Kerith Manderson-Galvin
Cast Includes: Rhys McConnochie, Stefan Bramble, Devon Lang Wilton, Tim Wotherspoon, William Ewing and Conor Gallacher
Northcote Town Hall, Northcote
24 September – 5 October
Melbourne Fringe Festival
www.melbournefringe.com.au
18 September – 6 October
