Ivanov

Synopsis

First staged at Korsh's Russian Dramatic Theatre, Moscow, in 1887. Set in a country suffering from political, ideological and spiritual stagnation, Chekhov s first full-length play anticipates the explosive revolutionary atmosphere of Russia at the turn of the century. Ivanov, a driving force in local government and a visionary landowner, feels burnt out at thirty-five. Once the pioneer of scientific farming methods and of education for the peasants, he now drowns in bureaucracy and debt, his large estate neglected. While his wife is dying, Sasha, a young, educated woman, falls in love with Ivanov and determines to save him.

Our Review:

18 September 2008

How times and reputations change. When I saw John Gielgud play Ivanov in the mid-1960s, he drove me nuts. I rushed home and wrote a poem: “Ivanov, Ivanov, we’ve all had enough of, your whimpering, simpering whine; your tiresome self-pity is not even witty...” and so on.

Now the brutish comedy and callowness of Chekhov’s first play – overlooked by the playwright’s best English translator, Michael Frayn – makes it seem just the West End ticket. And the Donmar season at Wyndham’s is off to a flying start with Michael Grandage’s scorching production, Kenneth Branagh’s meticulous and moving performance as the gentleman farmer swimming in debts and despair, and Tom Stoppard’s clinical, idiomatic new version (using a literal translation by the perennially unsung Helen Rappaport).

I’ve rarely felt heat like it in the theatre, even without the air-conditioning. The lighting of Paule Constable and soundtrack of Adam Cork conspire with Christopher Oram’s dilapidated cream-pa...

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Latest User Review

Laura - 27 November 2008:

I have to say this is one of the finest productions I have seen (and I have seen many!). The entire cast was outstanding, but particular plaudit has to go to Kenneth Branagh for his sensitive and highly charged portrayal of the title role. I also have to commend the lighting and stage crew. A magnificent production. I am glad I had the chance to see this...

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