Vera Gottlieb

First Published in 1996. Translated from Chekhov's short plays and adapted from his stories by Vera Gottlieb, this collection consists of four one-act plays. Short though they are, each contains a whole range of dramatic possibilities and presented together the plays form a coherent programme, offering performers and audiences an intimate theatrical experience ranging from high comedy to sombre analysis. Both student and professional actors will find an opportunity to display all their powers of invention, characterisation, timing, audience control, concentration and finesse. A Chekhov Quartet has been performed in London, Moscow and at the 1990 Chekhov Festival in Yalta

A Chekhov Quartet

This book examines the strangely neglected area of Chekhov's one-act plays and the evolution of his comedy techniques. These short pieces, written between 1885 and 1903, reveal many of the comic and distancing effects which are to be found in the major plays. Still frequently performed, they tell us as much about Chekhov's philosophy as his use of theatre, and justify his view of himself as a writer of comedies. Vera Gottlieb describes the playwright's approach to theatre in the light of contemporary Russian traditions: a succinct rsum of French comedy and vaudeville on the Russian stage provides the background for an interesting assessment of the degree of innovation in Chekhov's one-act plays. Russian sources have been used extensively, while an appendix includes new translations of two little-known theatre sketches by Chekhov. This 1982 book is a vital addition to criticism of Chekhov and the Russian stage.

A Study of Chekhov's One-Act Plays

Chekhov and the Vaudeville

Paul Allain

This volume of specially commissioned essays explores the world of Anton Chekhov - one of the most important dramatists in the repertoire - and the creation, performance and interpretation of his works. The Companion, first published in 2000, begins with an examination of Chekhov's life, his Russia, and the original productions of his plays at the Moscow Art Theatre. Later film versions and adaptations of Chekhov's works are analysed, with valuable insights also offered on acting Chekhov, by Ian McKellen, and directing Chekhov, by Trevor Nunn and Leonid Heifetz. The volume also provides essays on 'special topics' such as Chekhov as writer, Chekhov and women, and the Chekhov comedies and stories. Key plays, such as The Cherry Orchard and The Seagull, receive dedicated chapters while lesser-known works and genres are also brought to light. The volume concludes with appendices of primary sources, lists of works, and a select bibliography.

Vera Gottlieb

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