Director: Kang Min-Ho
Playwright: Anton Chekhov
Institution: Chung-Ang University, Korea
Venue: North Theatre
Time: 19:30, May 21, 2012
Event: The 2nd Asian Theatre Schools Festival
Director’s Notes
Realism based on the Theatrical Promise
Anton Chekhov penetrates universal human emotions in Uncle Vanya which has been reinterpreted and reconstructed in numerous performances, and will keep captivating people around the world through this classical standard. The Uncle Vanya performance we have prepared through the classical roots of this piece has blossomed into a new format of free emotional expression. The following are some ways we experimented in the direction and production of this performance.
Firstly, we tried to maximize the musical elements. The actors learned to play their own musical instruments; the use of live music especially on stage has added a greater effect the play. This method not only showcases the beautiful musicality of Chekhov’s piece, it also amplifies the realism of the performance one of the most important aspects in performing arts. Also through performing their instruments together, has made the acceptance and expression of their emotions in this play easier through the emotional sympathy and harmony, can bring a higher level of expression and delivery.
Second, staying true to the theatrical unities and the creative and imaginative process, we have tried to symbolically express meaning inherent in the scenes and situations. I would like to emphasize that our interpretation and addition to the text was for the metaphoric expression of 'play' or 'game' within the action and scene composition.
Lastly, it is know that it can be difficult to find the dramatic dynamics within Chekhov’s texts so we have tried to strengthen the flow of expression in the performance. In several scenes of the main characters' we put emphasis on their conflicts where possible, otherwise utilized other devises of expression as a replacement or deleted the scene. As mentioned earlier the utilization of live music and drama can be seen as an alternative devise of expression, they are carefully utilized to help the preparation of the dramatic flow and direction of the play.
I do hope the audience will find many of the scenes more interesting through our experimentation of this performance.
However, this new production full of trials and experimentations has kept to its classical realism and has not damaged its original authenticity. Rather, I hope this piece shall shine brighter. Thus, I hope this will be fresh eye-opener and gain solid credibility and sympathy with the audience, further more I hope this performance will leave a deep artistic emotional attachment to this performance.
Synopsis
Realism based on the Theatrical Promise
The hero of the play Vanya, for professor Serebraykov who is Vanya's deceased sister's husband, has been diligently working and living on the country estate with his mother Maria and his niece Sonya. But when the retired Serebryakov returns to the country estate with his beautiful second wife Helena, Vanya falls into depression, realizing how foolish Serebraykov is and a wasted life has lived for him. Vanya's emotion becomes more serious, when his desires and affections for Helena have been more obsessed. The country village doctor Astrov becomes fascinated by Helena's beauty without any regard to Sonya who has for six years secretly longed for his affections. Meanwhile, Serebraykov announces that he will sell the estate and purchase a villa Finland where he is heading for. Vanya is in a rage for being expelled from the estate after all his self-sacrifice and dedication, he has given fires with his pistol at Serebryakov but misses. In despair Vanya attempts to commit suicide but quits due to Sonya's desperate please. Then Serebraykov and Vanya reconcile and make peace with each other. Helena and Serebrykov bid everyone farewell and depart together, Vanya and Sonya talk about their current troubles and rewards of the afterlife and as before return to a quiet life.