Following the success of Sovremennik Theatre Company’s season last year, another Moscow-based company, Vakhtangov Theatre, comes to the West End with a modern interpretation of Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya.

Directed by Rimas Tuminas, who is well known for his productions in Russia and Europe, Vakhtangov’s Uncle Vanya received the Best Production Award at Russia’s Golden Mask Awards.

In this version of Chekhov’s masterpiece, there is no Chekhovian mansion or cosy arm-chairs; nor is there a table laid for lunch with a lacy tablecloth and hot samovar, or a feeling of home where several generations have lived.

Instead Tuminas has recreated Chekhov’s masterpiece, transforming the familiar aspects of the play into a battlefield of passions, broken illusions and unrealised hopes and giving the drama a tinge of tender irony that promises to arouse the audience’s emotions.

This production is performed in Russian with English surtitles.