Overview
The funny thing is the harder I work the more clearly I understand
things. When I'm worn out after a day's work then it's like my brain
relaxes. And sometimes then I get it. The meaning of my life. My
purpose on this earth. How many people ever get to say that? And you
know what? It doesn't matter. Doesn't change anything. It is not
important. In Chekhov's tragi-comedy - arguably his most popular play -
the Gayev family is torn by powerful forces deeply rooted in history and
the society in which they live. Their estate is hopelessly in debt.
Urged to cut down their beautiful cherry orchard and sell the land for
holiday cottages, the family struggles to act decisively. Vigorous and
profound, this new version of Chekhov's classic play by Olivier
award-winner Simon Stephens, from a literal translation by Helen
Rappaport, is an anguished and heartbreaking love letter to a society
in violent transition. It received its world premiere at the Young Vic,
London, on 10 October 2014.