The Ensemble Theatre has taken up a big challenge putting on a production of the great Russian playwright Anton Chekhov’s masterpieces, UNCLE VANYA. Their production meets the challenge well. Joanna Murray-Smith’s lucid adaptation gives the play its necessary contemporary tone, and Mark Kilmurry’s direction steers the action assuredly through to its poignant resolution.
The situation from which Chekhov branches out to a powerful is the unsettling visit of the elderly Professor Serebryakov and his wife Yelena to the crumbling rural estate, run by Uncle Vanya and his niece Sonya, that supports their lavish city lifestyle. Uncle Vanya bitterly resents the Professor and can’t stand him being around. Will the Professor leave before the two proud men come to blows?!
Chekhov, brilliant both as a playwright and short story writer, is lauded for many things, one of then main ones being his authentic, well drawn characters which give actors the chance to shine.
In the title role Yalin Ozucelik is a strong presence as the gruff, on edge, no- nonsense Uncle Vanya.
Abbey Morgan is a delight as the optimistic, sweet natured Sonya who is a ray of sunshine in the darkness.
One can’t pick Vanessa Downing, one of our finest actresses, so well does she become the stoic Nanny as well as playing Uncle Vanya’s mother, Maryla.
David Lynch gives a good, unwavering performance as the entirely self centered, egotistical obnoxious Professor Serebryakov.
Chantelle Jamieson plays his much younger, beautiful wife Yelena who marries him, not for love, but for the good life that he offers. The play sees these values challenged. Is she up for it?!
Tim Walker plays the stylish, progressive thinking Dr Astrov, way ahead of his time with his concern for ecological issues, who the young women drawn to.
John Gaden stamps his class, some pathos and comic relief as the impoverished landowner Telyeghin who has moved in to the estate, and is dependent on the goodwill of the family.
Kilmurry’s creative team vividly create the world for the actors to work in and help the actors, in all sorts of ways, to ‘land’ the play with audiences. The impressive teamwork included a great set design and character revealing costumes, Matt Cox’s lighting design and Steve Francis’ atmospheric soundscape. Lauren Tulloh, working hard behind the stage, ensured that the action on stage went smoothly.
The Ensemble Theatre’s production of Anton Chekhov’s UNCLE VANYA, as adapted by Joanna Murray-Smith and directed by Mark Kilmurry, opened at the Ensemble Theatre on the 31st July and is playing until the 31st August 2024.
Production photography by Prudence Upton
http://www.ensembletheatre.com.au
