Anton Chekhov remains one of the world’s greatest playwrights. His final masterpiece, The Cherry Orchard, often cited as one of the best plays ever written, is a tragicomedy: a laughter-through-tears tale of a sociable, intelligent and caring farming family, hopelessly in debt. Unless they can find the funds, their huge estate, including its much-loved cherry orchard, will go to a mortgagee auction.
Racked by indecision, the family and their staff spend one last summer on their beautiful country property, conjuring memories of the past to mask their fears of the future.
Artistic Director Colin McColl has a long history of directing classics with a contemporary twist. For this production he’s worked with playwright Albert Belz (Awhi Tapu, Yours Truly, Raising the Titanics), actor Tainui Tukiwaho (Billy, O Whakaaro, Tangiwai) and ATC Literary Manager Philippa Campbell on a new adaptation.
The Cherry Orchard is the fifth show in Auckland Theatre Company’s 2018 season and plays 12-26 June at the ASB Waterfront Theatre.
Visit www.atc.co.nz/auckland-theatre-company/2017-18/the-cherry-orchard for more information.
