At a time when the Russian theatre was dominated by formulaic melodramas and farces, Chekhov created a new sort of drama that laid bare the everyday lives, loves and yearnings of ordinary people. This book includes an introduction that examines how Chekhov broke with theatrical conventions and discusses each play in detail.
At a time when the Russian theatre was dominated by formulaic melodramas and farces, Chekhov created a new sort of drama that laid bare the everyday lives, loves and yearnings of ordinary people. This book includes an introduction that examines how Chekhov broke with theatrical conventions and discusses each play in detail.
Anton Chekhov (1860-1904), the grandson of a former serf and son of a grocer, was born in Taganrog, a port in Southern Russia. His childhood was overshadowed by his frightening father, but he was close to his mother. While he was at university, his father was defrauded and went bankrupt, leaving the family in dire financial straits; Chekhov supported them almost single-handedly by selling stories and sketches to magazines. Although a doctor by profession, he soon became famous for his brilliant stories and plays, and is today recognized as one of the greatest short story writers of all time.
Inhaltsangabe
PlaysIntroduction Further Reading Chronology Translator's Note Glossary Ivanov The Seagull Uncle Vanya Three Sisters The Cherry Orchard Notes
