Source Theatre (Washington, DC)
Constellation Theatre Company presents a fresh, humorous translation of Chekhov's family drama. The three sisters--matriarchal Olya; witty, peppery Masha (who supplies a great deal of the play's humor); and the baby, Irina--all revolve around their brother Andrei and his sometimes questionable life decisions. As the action unfolds, characters evolve and true natures are revealed by each character's pursuit of their own happiness.
Event summary prepared by the Goldstar Editorial Team.
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The last date listed for Three Sisters was Sunday February 21, 2010 / 8:00pm. (view all dates)
Currently at Source Theatre:
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We thoroughly enjoyed the performance. The play was staged in the round so we felt almost a part of the performance. The movement of the actors on the stage was well choreographed which is especially important in a performance in the round. All the actors gave strong performances and captured the pathos of Chekhov's characters. Of course, you have to like Chekhov's writing and his depiction of Russian society to enjoy this show.
I loved it! The acting was first rate, and the costumes were FABULOUS (and I am not known for exaggeration). Even though the physical space was very small so that the audience was up close to the production, I got very drawn into the action. Based on this production, I intend to donate to Constellation Theater to help them continue their fine work.
This was a truly excellent performance. Great actors, stage in the middle - the audience is inside the play. Extremely satisfied.
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CuDC purchased Source in October 2006 with the vision of redeveloping the theatre's multi-use performing arts space. Source's 150-seat black box is vital to the area's small and medium-sized arts organizations because the space is intimate, flexible and affordable. Following an extensive renovation in 2008, Source also provides a classroom, rehearsal room and administrative space to area perfor
Website: http://www.ConstellationTheatre.org
Constellation Theatre Company brings Three Sisters by Anton Chekhov to Washington, DC with a fresh, humorous translation by Lanford Wilson. A dynamic mix of comedy and drama reveals an extended family struggling with the troubles of daily life while striving for romance, purpose and compassion. Three sisters hope to escape their isolated, rural home and dream of cultured, meaningful loves in Moscow. Moments of truth swing from lyrical to explosive as ideas evolve and individuals transform. In this sublime portrait of humanity, Chekhov illuminates the mystery, sorrow and beauty inherent in our universal pursuit of happiness.
Anton Chekhov is widely regarded as one of the great fathers of modern drama. Yet Chekhov supported his family by writing comic short stories that are still enjoyed throughout the world today. His other career as a physician gave him a unique insight into people and, in his own words, “the sicknesses of the soul.” His self-described method in practicing medicine, “First of all I'd get my patients in a laughing mood - and only then would I begin to treat them,” suggests his motivation for the restorative humor he brings to dramatic situations. He gives us both wit and wisdom.
Chekhov’s dramatic style is original and daring, balancing realism with impressionism and symbolism. His plays are not driven by plot events in a traditional way. They capture and overlap fleeting moments between people with poetic imagery and powerful pauses. Through his novel approach to both dramatic structure and character psychology he juxtaposes moments of despair and joy, illustrating the truth that life is, as one of his characters attests, “Half enigmatic, half wonderful.”
Three Sisters is no stranger to Washington. This timeless classic was directed by Zelda Fichandler at Arena Stage in 1965 and by Joy Zinoman at The Studio Theatre in 1995. Constellation Theatre Company is honored to bring this universal story to DC again, this time with Lanford Wilson’s accessible and witty translation. Mark Lamos commissioned Wilson to create this version for his 1984 Hartford Stage Company production. An acclaimed playwright, Wilson received the 1980 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the New York Drama Circle’s award for Talley’s Folly. His most celebrated plays include 5th of July, The Hot L Baltimore, The Mound Builders, Angels Fall and Burn This. Often described as the most Chekhovian of contemporary American playwrights, Wilson brings new life to the brilliant original with his own lyrical, evocative voice.
Director Allison Arkell Stockman has dreamed of directing this play for a long time. She explains, “A mentor once said to me, ‘Every time you truly open your heart up to it, Three Sisters will change your life.’ This rich ensemble is full of characters that are smart, funny, passionate, eccentric, both driven and defeated. I am fascinated by the human propensity to dream and yet to get so caught in reality that even attainable dreams are never realized. My hope is that in seeing this play people will see themselves and be renewed to pursue their goals, to seize the day.”
Constellation’s production is being performed in the round. Constellation Resident Designer A.J. Guban places the story at the heart of the space with the audience surrounding it in order to put primary focus on the actors and the words. He and Costume Designer Ivania Stack have embraced a streamlined sense of period. Living in 1901, the characters continuously imagine what life will be like two hundred years in the future. Yet today, nearly 110 years later, their desires and conflicts remain so like our own. Every seat will have a unique, personal view in this configuration, yet just beyond the dramatic action on the other side of the space, is the audience of today, reminding us that we are looking inwards at the human condition of the past, present and future.
Composer Jesse Terrill, who has previously composed the original music for Constellation’s The Marriage of Figaro and A Flea In Her Ear, is drawing on the rich Russian musical tradition for his inspiration. Moved by the simplicity, elegance and creative orchestration of Tchaikovsky, Terrill is also compelled by the experimental, dissonant undercurrents of Stravinsky. This contrast of musical styles mirrors the transformation in the play from an old world to a new one.
An incredible cast stars Constellation favorites Nanna Ingvarsson, Catherine Deadman and Amy Quiggins as the three sisters and Katy Carkuff as their rival, Natasha. Talented actor Michael John Casey joins Constellation for the first time as the inspirational Vershinin. Casey has been seen in DC at many theatres including The Kennedy Center, Shakespeare Theatre Company, the Folger Theatre, Ford’s Theatre, Imagination Stage and Longacre Lea Productions. Constellation veterans such as Joe Brack, Brian Hemmingsen, Ashley Ivey, Lew Freeman and Scott Zeigler return, while Billy Finn, Annie Houston, Mark Krawczyk, and Carl Long enjoy their debut with the company.
Constellation Theatre Company is dedicated to creating theatre that is epic, expansive and essential. Constellation's plays and musicals share the characteristics of elevated language, expressive design and an acting style of heightened, archetypal action. Like bright lights in the dark sky, our shows will seek to illuminate the human experience in ways that are powerful, dynamic and relevant today.
