"Chekhov's Shorts" Until December 15th 2002
Factory Theatre
125 Bathurst Street
Box Office: 416-504-9971
http://www.factorytheatre.ca
$26
Watching Chekhov's Shorts again, after seeing it in its first season two years
ago, was even more enjoyable than the first time As many other critics have
said, the play has matured over the past two years, and I have to agree.
Nothing has been muddled, or changed for the worse; there is only refinement
and improvement.
The play is and hour and forty-five minutes long, with no intermission, and
covers four short stories by our Russian favourite, Chekhov himself. Every
story, although different, seems connected because of the way the gaps in
between the stories are filled: with a train. The performance begins on a train
with strangers boarding and sitting down in a box car. After everyone has
settled in, one of the strangers begins to tell a story to the others, and then
the first skit begins. Each act is strung together in a similar manner,
resulting in a smooth transition from story to story.
The atmosphere is largely humorous, despite the standard
"gray-overcast-sky," typical in Russian literature.
Prop usage is minimal, but brilliant. Luggage, and what the characters
themselves are wearing, makes up the majority of the set.
Acting was equally amazing. The cast is made up of one man and three women. All
of them work very well together, however, their skill as individuals is what
distinguishes them. Through their performance, they manage so well to capture
the little things/habits that make us human - hand gestures, facial
expressions, sayings created captivating characters.
In conclusion - for the fan of Russian Literature, this is a must. For those
that aren't fans, or aren't *yet* fans, this play is an thoroughly enjoyable
introduction to the Russians. Highly recommended!
Five out of Five stars!
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