Dramaturgical Note In Western Europe people die because their space is cramped and suffocating. In Russia they die because the space is an endless expanse. —ANTON CHEKHOV Yale School of Drama presents
Anton Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya is set in a rural house that swelters in the sultry summer heat. The play focuses on love, which awakens the characters from their monotonous lives.
UNCLE VANYA
Love kindles their passion to live but confounds their minds. Underneath the seemingly calm veneers that they present, emotions seethe and threaten to burst forth. Complaints inundate the house and an emotional storm brews on the horizon. As the play progresses, the action moves from a natural garden outside to Vanya’s claustrophobic and private indoor chamber. Though the characters fail to find love, life must go on. Love’s wounded remain in the house, attempting to regain their senses of purpose by immersing themselves in work. Is the meaning of life to be found in endlessly toiling until death? Or is laboring a way to alleviate the pains of daily life, working like vodka and morphine to numb the senses and make life bearable? Once love ruffles their lives, it eternally ripples in their hearts. Chekhov’s “oldest” play (the average age of the roles could be 50!) is not completely tragic because it is seasoned with witty repartees and situational ironies. As audience members, we may laugh at the roles and their petty concerns while they take everything so seriously. However, they are the epitomes of us, and their struggles are like those we still encounter in the 21st century, absurd but real. —CHENG-HAN WU, PRODUCTION DRAMATURG
2010–11 season
The Studio Series productions are designed to be learning experiences that complement classroom work, providing a medium for students at Yale School of Drama to combine their individual talents and energies toward the staging of collaboratively created works. Your attendance meaningfully completes that process.
Anton Chekhov translated by Carol Rocamora directed by Ron Van Lieu by
Thursday, October 7, 4PM Friday, October 8, 3:30PM and 8PM Saturday, October 9, 4PM ISEMAN THEATER 1156 CHAPEL STREET