Alongside rehearsals for our production of Three Sisters, we’re running 3 drama workshops, designed for those who are interested in performance.
2010 is the 150th anniversary of Chekhov's birth. He has an international reputation on a par with Shakespeare. His plays are among the most popular foreign theatre performed in Britain and elsewhere. What makes all this happen? What makes him tick?
Each workshop will last about 1½ to 2 hours. Wear comfortable clothes you can move about in easily so you can participate actively if you wish.
Saturday 10 April, 2.30 pm: Grasping Russia
The workshop will look at the Russian world of Chekhov's Three Sisters. Which are they key aspects of this world? Can they be conveyed in a production in English? What is so compelling about this world which has made Chekhov's works so popular? Is Chekhov comic? The cast and director will be rehearsing extracts from the play, discussing this ‘Russianness' with you, and inviting your views. You can have a go at a role too if you wish
Friday 7 May 7.30 pm: Performing Chekhov
What is it like to perform a Chekhov play? Using Three Sisters as an example, we will explore some of the distinguishing characteristics of his plays in performance, such as the pause, the ways the personal relationships are played out, the sound score and the props. You will have the opportunity to discuss and work on short extracts from the play. You can interview the characters and discuss with the actors how they are creating their roles.
Saturday 8 May, 2.30 pm: Chekhov in English
How is the original Russian play affected by translation into English? Are there only losses in translation, or can there be gains as well? Read and listen to the translation: what are your reactions? Does the fact that the play is in translation form how the characters of Three Sisters are perceived by the actors? And by an English audience? What are the possibilities for updating Chekhov? Is he confined to his own time? To his own culture?
