Chekhov's 'Cherry Orchard' Blossoms in Sydney with a Welsh Twist
Anton Chekhov's timeless tale of social upheaval and familial turmoil finds new life in Sydney, with two productions of his works captivating audiences. This review focuses on *The Cherry Orchard*, a compelling adaptation set in a dilapidated Pembrokeshire estate, playing at the Old Fitzroy Theatre.
Welsh playwright Gary Owen has masterfully transposed Chekhov's classic to a 1982 setting, mirroring the anxieties of a changing Britain under Thatcherism. The once opulent family estate is teetering on the brink of financial ruin, facing imminent takeover by the bank. A desperate scheme to salvage the property hinges on the signature of Rainey (Deborah Galanos), the family matriarch. A woman of wild abandon, Rainey is now a divorced, perpetually inebriated figure, having squandered her fortune on a luxurious London hotel stay.
The play revolves around the anxious anticipation surrounding Rainey's return from the English capital. Her ineffectual brother, Gabriel (Charles Mayer), her daughters Valerie (Jane Angharad) and Anya (Amelia Parsonson), and Valerie's boyfriend, Lewis (Dorje Swallow), all await her decision. Lewis, a local with a deep understanding of the estate, has a radical plan to save it from ruin.
Owen's adaptation brings a refreshing perspective to Chekhov's exploration of class and privilege. It highlights the stark realities of poverty, both for the working class and the declining aristocracy. Furthermore, it subtly exposes the long-standing tensions between the Welsh and English landowning classes.
Director Anthony Skuse, a veteran of Chekhovian theatre, expertly guides the production. The story unfolds at a measured pace, allowing its themes to resonate deeply. The audience is held captive by Galanos' magnetic portrayal of Rainey, a woman consumed by grief and self-destruction. Mayer also shines, perfectly embodying the endearing yet eccentric Gabriel.
Swallow delivers a nuanced performance, portraying Lewis' transformation from a humble farmhand to a ruthless property speculator. His controlling behaviour towards Valerie adds an unsettling layer to their relationship. James Smithers excels as Ceri (Chekhov's Trofimov), a local unemployed youth whose radical pronouncements mask a burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit.
All the characters, in that quintessential Chekhovian fashion, are simultaneously lovable and flawed, offering a compelling tapestry of human complexities. The production is a testament to the enduring relevance of Chekhov's work, exploring themes that continue to resonate in our contemporary world.
*The Cherry Orchard
is a captivating theatrical experience, a poignant and humorous exploration of familial dysfunction, social upheaval, and the inevitable march of time. Catch it at the Old Fitzroy Theatre, Woolloomooloo, until 24 August.
