The Cherry Orchard (Dover Thrift Editions: Plays)

The Cherry Orchard was first produced by the Moscow Art Theatre on Chekhov's last birthday, January 17, 1904. Since that time it has become one of the most critically admired and performed plays in the Western world, a high comedy whose principal theme, the passing of the old semifeudal order, is symbolized in the sale of the cherry orchard owned by Madame Ranevsky.
The play also functions as a magnificent showcase for Chekhov's acute observations of his characters' foibles and for quizzical ruminations on the approaching dissolution of the world of the Russian aristocracy and life as it was lived on their great country estates. While the subject and the characters of the work are, in a sense, timeless, the dramatic technique of the play was a Chekhovian innovation. In this and other plays he developed the concept of "indirect action," in which the dramatic action takes place off stage and the significance of the play revolves around the reactions of the characters to those unseen events.
Reprinted from a standard edition, this inexpensive well-made volume invites any lover of theater or great literature to enter the world of Madame Ranevsky, Anya, Gayef, Lopakhin, Firs, and the other memorable characters whose hopes, fears, loves, and general humanity are so brilliantly depicted in this landmark of world drama.





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"The Cherry Orchard is a serious and moving play, but it's also a very funny one, something Mike Poulton's new version brings out strongly." The Stage "Mike Poulton's new translation gives the dialogue a contemporary edge." Alfred Hickling, The Guardian" --This text refers to an alternate kindleedition edition. BOOK DESCRIPTION
This version of Chekhov's classic work by playwright Simon Stephens is an anguished and heartbreaking love letter to a society in violent transition. --This text refers to an alternate kindleedition edition. FROM THE BACK COVER
Madame Ranevskaya returns to her rural estate after a prolonged absence for the auction of the house and its famed cherry orchard. As her family and neighbors prepare for the day of the sale, a tragicomedy ensues, highlighting the difficulties faced by a decadent aristocracy. The Cherry Orchard, Anton Chekhov's final play, is one of twentieth century theater's most important works.

--This text refers to an alternate kindleedition edition. ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) , Russian physician, dramatist and author, is considered to be one of the greatest writers of short stories and modern drama. Born in Taganrog, a port town near the Black Sea, he attended medical school at Moscow University. He began writing to supplement his income, writing short humorous sketches of contemporary Russian life. A successful literary careered followed, before his premature death of TB at the age of 44. He is best-remembered for his four dramatic masterpieces: The Seagull (1896) , Uncle Vanya (1899) , Three Sisters (1901) and The Cherry Orchard (1904) . --This text refers to an alternate kindleedition edition. REVIEW
An outstanding literary work. Well adapted for modern audiences. -- Bookwatch --This text refers to an alternate kindleedition edition. Read more Continue reading Read less