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Uncle Vanya

Presented by Breaking String Theatre at The Off Center

June 16-July 2, 2011

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Following the success of its first annual New Russian Drama festival in January, 2011 featuring the American premier of Flying (2005) by Olga Mukhina, Breaking String returns to the Russian canon with a production of Chekhov’s 1899 masterpiece, Uncle Vanya. Ironically sub-titled “Scenes From Country Life,” the play chronicles a climactic moment of rural Russian life. Uncle Vanya is about finding meaning, hope, and conservation in a life that seems to promise little. Chekhov revised his early play Wood Demon (1889) into the triumphant Uncle Vanya.
Uncle Vanya’s theme of ecology speaks to the world's ever-more urgent discussions of conservation and sustainability. Chekhov's insight that the fate of humankind is tied to the fate of the environment now seems prophetic: "In all of you there’s a demon of destruction. You spare neither forests, nor women, nor one another…." (Yelena speaking to Vanya)
Breaking String’s Uncle Vanya features direction and an original translation by Graham Schmidt. The ensemble cast of actors includes Robert Deike, Emily Everidge, Liz Fisher, Harvey Guion, Anne Hulsman, Chris Humphrey, Robert Matney, and Matt Radford. The production also features sound design by Adam Hilton, scenic design by Ia Enstera, costume design by Julia Howze, and lighting design by Steven Shirey.
This is the fourth work for which Breaking String Theater has commissioned an original translation from resident translator Graham Schmidt. Of the practice, Schmidt observed that “it is integral to our process, our identity, and is a reflection of our desire for direct contact with Chekhov's words, tailored for this moment and for our work.”

• At-a-
  Glance

  • Venue Info

    The Off Center

    2211 Hidalgo Street
    Austin, TX 78702

    Full map and directions

  • Admission Info

    Tickets:

    # General Admission: $15 - 25, Sliding scale
    # Monday, July 27th: Pay-What-You-Will Industry Night
    # Student rush tickets released 10 minutes before curtain for all performances: $10

    Buy Tickets

    Check for Discount Ticket

  • Dates & Times

    Dates:
    June 16-July 2, 2011

    Times:
    

    *Sunday performances start at 5 PM, all others start at 8 PM

  • Accessibility Info

    Currently, no accessibility information is available for this event.

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  • Member Reviews

    Add review/comment

    • Event Name: Uncle Vanya
      "Breaking String knows Russian Well"
      Review posted by: Stephen - A-Team from Austin, TX, Jun 26, 2011
      

      I am always happy when I hear that Breaking String is putting on a show. I am tough on Russian plays but find that Graham Schmidt knows how to translate a story into two hours and I am delited. The... Expand

      I am always happy when I hear that Breaking String is putting on a show. I am tough on Russian plays but find that Graham Schmidt knows how to translate a story into two hours and I am delited. The show only runs for one more weekend and the blend of drama and a bit of comedy show a slice of life in rural Russia. The play makes you think and feel. The story is simple but don't let that make you judge it harshly. It is a story of relationships. I won't give away the ending but know its Russian. There are many stand out performances. Liz Fisher knows how to turn a glace and small emotional action into something very captivating. Robert Matney as Uncle Vanya is perfect in his attempts to survive life and self reflection of his character. Emily Everidge truly makes one feel as one would for any character. A strong will and duty shine. The ensemble cast of actors includes Robert Deike, Harvey Guion, Anne Hulsman, Chris Humphrey, and Matt Radford provide very memorable moments. A must see. Collapse

    • Event Name: Uncle Vanya
      "An Excellent Chance to see Chekhov at Its Best"
      Review posted by: Ellie from Austin, TX, Jun 22, 2011
      

      **A-Team Review**Breaking String seeks to connect people across time and culture--specifically Austinites with the vibrant characters of Russian theatre. They've done just that with Uncle Vanya, one... Expand

      **A-Team Review**Breaking String seeks to connect people across time and culture--specifically Austinites with the vibrant characters of Russian theatre. They've done just that with Uncle Vanya, one of Chekhov's best works, about a family reunion on the old estate that disunites them in the end. There's the major theme of the environment, but it's the unexpected juxtaposition of the rich that live comfortably at the expense of the poor, nay, their own family, that hits you like a frying pan and leaves a lump in your throat and makes you think critically about who here in Austin works around the clock unthanked and unnoticed. Emily Everidge shines beyond all other cast members as Sonya--you might as well go just to see her churn out those real tears. Or go just to see the set, with its canopy of leafless branches and warm indoor glow. But seriously, see this play. Graham Schmidt's translation of Chekhov is modern, REALLY funny, and does what good theatre should do: pulls at your heart and your mind. Collapse

    • Event Name: Uncle Vanya
      "A summer in the country........."
      Review posted by: theaterlover from Austin, Jun 18, 2011
      

      The setting is a dacha in the country - the "absentee landlord" is visiting and creating conflict, giving a reason for introspection and searching for a raison d'etre. Russian plays are not... Expand

      The setting is a dacha in the country - the "absentee landlord" is visiting and creating conflict, giving a reason for introspection and searching for a raison d'etre. Russian plays are not performed very often - this is a fine translation, a great performance with a fantastic cast. An absolute "must see". Collapse

    • Event Name: Uncle Vanya
      "Thought-Provoking and Moving"
      Review posted by: Lauren from Austin, TX, Jun 16, 2011
      

      The show was quite poignant and moving, particularly toward the end as the conversations got heated and the heart of the play was revealed. I found the one-on-one scenes between the characters to... Expand

      The show was quite poignant and moving, particularly toward the end as the conversations got heated and the heart of the play was revealed. I found the one-on-one scenes between the characters to be particularly enveloping and I liked that we got to see the inner struggles of each individual character. The part of the professor was extremely well- played. I felt that his passionate fits and every small, contained movement of his drew me deeper into the play. Sonya was lovely from the beginning- the way she held herself and acted so good- natured and naive- to the end- when we got to watch her character develop and feel her unshakable faith. The rest of the cast was lovely, but these are the characters that really made the play for me. The set and effects were also excellent. Go see it! Collapse

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    Currently, additional images/videos have not been submitted for this event.

• Member
  Reviews

  • Member Reviews

    Add review/comment

    • Event Name: Uncle Vanya
      "Breaking String knows Russian Well"
      Review posted by: Stephen - A-Team from Austin, TX, Jun 26, 2011
      

      I am always happy when I hear that Breaking String is putting on a show. I am tough on Russian plays but find that Graham Schmidt knows how to translate a story into two hours and I am delited. The... Expand

      I am always happy when I hear that Breaking String is putting on a show. I am tough on Russian plays but find that Graham Schmidt knows how to translate a story into two hours and I am delited. The show only runs for one more weekend and the blend of drama and a bit of comedy show a slice of life in rural Russia. The play makes you think and feel. The story is simple but don't let that make you judge it harshly. It is a story of relationships. I won't give away the ending but know its Russian. There are many stand out performances. Liz Fisher knows how to turn a glace and small emotional action into something very captivating. Robert Matney as Uncle Vanya is perfect in his attempts to survive life and self reflection of his character. Emily Everidge truly makes one feel as one would for any character. A strong will and duty shine. The ensemble cast of actors includes Robert Deike, Harvey Guion, Anne Hulsman, Chris Humphrey, and Matt Radford provide very memorable moments. A must see. Collapse

    • Event Name: Uncle Vanya
      "An Excellent Chance to see Chekhov at Its Best"
      Review posted by: Ellie from Austin, TX, Jun 22, 2011
      

      **A-Team Review**Breaking String seeks to connect people across time and culture--specifically Austinites with the vibrant characters of Russian theatre. They've done just that with Uncle Vanya, one... Expand

      **A-Team Review**Breaking String seeks to connect people across time and culture--specifically Austinites with the vibrant characters of Russian theatre. They've done just that with Uncle Vanya, one of Chekhov's best works, about a family reunion on the old estate that disunites them in the end. There's the major theme of the environment, but it's the unexpected juxtaposition of the rich that live comfortably at the expense of the poor, nay, their own family, that hits you like a frying pan and leaves a lump in your throat and makes you think critically about who here in Austin works around the clock unthanked and unnoticed. Emily Everidge shines beyond all other cast members as Sonya--you might as well go just to see her churn out those real tears. Or go just to see the set, with its canopy of leafless branches and warm indoor glow. But seriously, see this play. Graham Schmidt's translation of Chekhov is modern, REALLY funny, and does what good theatre should do: pulls at your heart and your mind. Collapse

    • Event Name: Uncle Vanya
      "A summer in the country........."
      Review posted by: theaterlover from Austin, Jun 18, 2011
      

      The setting is a dacha in the country - the "absentee landlord" is visiting and creating conflict, giving a reason for introspection and searching for a raison d'etre. Russian plays are not... Expand

      The setting is a dacha in the country - the "absentee landlord" is visiting and creating conflict, giving a reason for introspection and searching for a raison d'etre. Russian plays are not performed very often - this is a fine translation, a great performance with a fantastic cast. An absolute "must see". Collapse

    • Event Name: Uncle Vanya
      "Thought-Provoking and Moving"
      Review posted by: Lauren from Austin, TX, Jun 16, 2011
      

      The show was quite poignant and moving, particularly toward the end as the conversations got heated and the heart of the play was revealed. I found the one-on-one scenes between the characters to... Expand

      The show was quite poignant and moving, particularly toward the end as the conversations got heated and the heart of the play was revealed. I found the one-on-one scenes between the characters to be particularly enveloping and I liked that we got to see the inner struggles of each individual character. The part of the professor was extremely well- played. I felt that his passionate fits and every small, contained movement of his drew me deeper into the play. Sonya was lovely from the beginning- the way she held herself and acted so good- natured and naive- to the end- when we got to watch her character develop and feel her unshakable faith. The rest of the cast was lovely, but these are the characters that really made the play for me. The set and effects were also excellent. Go see it! Collapse

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