Dueling Critics: Two Productions of Uncle Vanya
By The ArchivesDueling Critics: Two Productions of Uncle Vanya
By The Archives
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Our dueling critics are reviewing the classic Russian play, Uncle Vanya by Anton Chekov. Several versions are actually dueling too, this time around. It’s on stage at two different theaters in two different languages. The original Russian version is playing at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and Straw Dog Theatre is staging a newer version in English. So in the battle of Vanya verses Vanya, who wins? Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel are veterans of theatre war with each other and offer their takes on the different versions.On Stage:
Uncle Vanya
Through Mar. 27
Straw Dog Theatre
Through March 21
Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Music Button: Chicago Symphony Orchestra, “Allegretto poco moderato”, from the CD Shostakovich Symphony #4, (CSO Resound)