Three Sisters

Synopsis

A provincial Russian town, late 19th century. The Prozorov family home, once grand but now fading, mirroring the sisters’ dimming dreams of Moscow

Chekhov’s Three Sisters is a haunting exploration of unfulfilled longing and the slow erosion of hope. The Prozorov sisters – Olga, Masha, and Irina – yearn for Moscow and a more vibrant life, but remain trapped in their small town. As years pass, their brother Andrey’s gambling and his wife Natasha’s vulgar ambitions chip away at the family’s fortunes. The sisters find brief solace in the visiting military officers, particularly the philosophical Vershinin.

The play’s genius lies in its portrayal of inner conflicts and the drama of everyday existence. Much of the significant action occurs offstage, while onstage the characters philosophise and wait for change that never comes. This presents a unique challenge for directors and actors, requiring a delicate balance to convey the depth of emotion beneath the surface of seemingly mundane interactions.