☆★★★★ Uncle Vanya
Tales Retold production of Uncle Vanya, currently playing at the
Hope Theatre, has cleverly reduced Chekov’s traditional four-act play into an
85-minute compact adaptation. Director James Stone in his notes feels that
writer Brendan Murray skilfully created ‘a richly distilled, almost immersive
experience of this classic drama.’ Sadly
there is no credit for set design for this detailed and cleverly observed
design, but the atmosphere is beautifully augmented by a superb soundscape by
Jim Armstrong and excellent lighting by Chris McDonnell.
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| Gilly Daniels & Adrian Wheeler |
Unashamedly quoting the Hope Theatre’s synopsis, ‘Uncle Vanya’s
learned brother-in-law returns to the family estate with his new young wife,
Yelena. This is enough to break the fragile surface tension, the thin layer of
delusion, which thus far has contained the more toxic realities of family life.
Drink flows, and soon father, daughter, uncle and all become embroiled in a
passionate crescendo of domestic unrest – opening wounds, breaking hearts and
putting the future of the whole estate in peril.’
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| Esme Mahoney |
And without a shadow of a doubt, this smart, streamlined
retelling delivers. The tight ensemble of six brings paced yet beautifully
nuanced performances under James Stones smart, perceptive and shrewd direction.
Adrian Wheeler as Vanya is conflicted however provides humour in an empathetic
and robust performance. Cassandra Hodges as Sonya is distinguished and
genuinely noble, albeit racked with emotional pain and turmoil. Esme Mahoney as
Yelena is like fine porcelain and portrays strength and beauty in its purest
form.
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| DK Ugonna |
I overheard someone in the bar before the performance saying
this was Chekov Light, and how was it possible to portray Uncle Vanya in a mere
85 minutes? The answer is easy: you can and, more importantly, with great style.
Clever, paced writing, sharp direction coupled with strong,
moving and emotional performances too from this exquisite ensemble.
Another must-see at the Hope Theatre.
Photography by Cameron Harle
Uncle Vanya is playing at The Hope Theatre from 22 April until 11 May 2019
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