Synopsis

A sprawling country estate in 19th century Russia becomes the stage for a tragicomic exploration of unfulfilled potential and unrequited desire.

Mikhail Platonov, a disillusioned schoolteacher and former “golden boy,” finds himself at the center of a tangled web of romantic entanglements during a summer gathering at the estate of Anna Petrovna, a young widow. As Platonov recklessly pursues affairs with multiple women, including Anna and his old flame Sofya (now married to his friend), his actions set in motion a chain of events that spiral towards tragedy.

Anton Chekhov’s sprawling early work, adapted by David Hare, is a bittersweet examination of wasted potential and the crushing weight of provincial life. Through a large ensemble cast of vibrant characters, the play explores themes of disillusionment, class struggle, and the search for meaning in a changing world. Hare’s adaptation maintains Chekhov’s signature blend of comedy and pathos, creating a rich tale of human folly and heartbreak. The play’s epic scope and complex character dynamics offer a poignant portrait of a society on the brink of transformation.