Author(s): Anton Chekhov

Performing Arts Drama Plays

This early Chekhov is a glorious ensemble comedy about the fact that the future is looking bleak. Nikolai Ivanov is going mad. His life used to be full of possibility, but now he's moneyless on an old farm with his mendicant uncle and his inexplicably happy if slightly criminal cousin. He's in debt to his neighbours, he has the hots for their daughter, and nothing much makes any sense to him anymore. Oh, and his wife is dying. Life's all healthcare and making payments. What's the alternative?