Uncle Vanya (Plays for Performance Series)

ISBN: 1566634423

Author: Chekhov Anton

Condition: New

ReviewRecommended. (Library Journal)Product DescriptionChekhovs tragicomedy, replete with the kinds of characters we have come to know as Chekhovian, incorporates unrequited loves and a murder plot while exploring the social roles of women and the notion of progress. Curt Columbuss splendid new translation and adaptation underscores the contemporary relevance of this prophetic play.From Library JournalSo, what happens in Uncle Vanya? Not much; just life, played out over four acts. There are rich people, and there are people who work for the rich people, whom the rich people don't really care about. There is a gun fired in anger and desperation, but there aren't any bodies to carry off stage. There are men making fools of themselves over women. There are those who accept their fates and wait for their rewards in heaven, and there are others who don't care one way or another. There is a character whose name is in lights as the title, but he doesn't add up to all that much. Chekhov's play moves so languidly that, without a vibrant cast, an understanding director, and a lively translation, it stands the chance of passing under the radar of the average audience. Columbus's reworking of the script (done for Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre Company) aims at accessibility, replacing the "outdated colloquialisms" and "brittle prose" of earlier translations. And, for the most part, it's OK. It's not revelatory or revolutionary, but it stands as good a chance as any of getting the audience to come back after intermission. Recommended for collections in need of a new copy of this work. Larry Schwartz, Minnesota State Univ. Lib., MoorheadCopyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.About the AuthorCurt Columbus is Artistic Director of The Trinity Repertory Company. His translations of Three Sisters and Uncle Vanya are in the Plays for Performance series, published by Ivan R. Dee. Mr. Columbus lives in Providence, Rhode Island.