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Welcome to our first session this month in The Rehearsal Room with Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya!

As we delve into the world of Anton Chekhov, we find ourselves confronted with the rich emotional tapestry of his characters, particularly in his play Uncle Vanya.

Our session opens with a tribute to Fran Bennett, a beloved actress and voice teacher who had recently passed away (in 2021). This moment of reflection sets the tone for our discussion, reminding us of the impact that art and mentorship can have on our lives and careers.

Throughout the episode, we explore the themes of Uncle Vanya, focusing on the characters’ emotional struggles and the longing for beauty and change. Each actor shares their personal experiences with Chekhov, revealing how these timeless themes resonate with their own lives. They discuss character motivations, the significance of age, and the societal pressures that shape our identities.

One of the standout moments in the episode is when the actors discuss the concept of a midlife crisis, a theme that resonates deeply with Vanya’s character. As he grapples with feelings of inadequacy and the realization that his life has been spent in service to a professor who ultimately disappoints him, we see a reflection of our own struggles with purpose and fulfillment.

The episode also touches on the environmental themes present in Chekhov’s work, particularly through the character of Astrov, who laments the destruction of nature. This commentary feels particularly poignant in today’s world, where environmental concerns are at the forefront of global discussions.

Whether you’re a seasoned actor or a curious audience member, this episode promises to inspire and provoke thought!

What happened in the Week 1 Session?

🏁 In this session, highlights include:

• Exploring Chekhov’s characters and their complex relationships





• Discussing the impact of beauty and its ephemeral nature in the play





• Examining the themes of longing and self-worth that resonate throughout the narrative

Watch the Week 1 Session!

Full transcript included at the bottom of this post.

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And there’s the audio version too – you still get everything from listening!

Total Running Time: 2:03:00

• Stream by clicking here.





• Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as/save link as”.

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Short on time?

Check out this 80-second clip from this session with Sara and Libby discussing character obstacles!

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And a great quote from this week’s session…

References mentioned in the Week 1 Session:

• FIVE CHEKHOV PLAYS: Libby and Allison’s translation of Chekhov





• Anton Chekhov





• Oregon Shakespeare Festival





• Ivanov (play)





• The Cherry Orchard (play)





• Three Sisters (play)

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Thank you to our current patrons at the Co-Star level or higher: Ivar, Joan, Michele, Jim, Magdalen, Claudia, Clif and Jeff!

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THE SCENE

Our group will be working on the first half of Act 2.

Follow along with the play here. Order a copy of Libby and Allison’s translation here.

Uncle Vanya Team – with artists in CA, Chicago, and New Zealand!

• DIRECTOR: Libby Appel (Q&A episode)





• VOICE COACH: Ursula Meyer (Q&A episode)





• DRAMATURG: Allison Horsley





• PROFESSOR: Alberto Isaac (episode)





• SONYA: Deidrie Henry





• MARINA: Jully Lee





• VANYA: Howard Leder





• YELENA: Sara Mountjoy-Pepka





• ASTROV: Corey Hedy

Read more about the artists here.

And there’s more!

Catch up on our other workshops featuring lots of Shakespeare scenes, from Hamlet, King Lear, Troilus and Cressida, Midsummer, As You Like It, and our Twelfth Night repertory extravaganza – all on the podcast and YouTube.  If you’ve missed any presentations thus far, click here to find them all.