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Rediscover Anton Chekhov''s acclaimed works in radical, creative new ways. The Seagull, Uncle Vanya, Three Sisters and The Cherry Orchard : Chekhov''s major plays have been perennially popular since the late 19th century. But, as a new wave of diverse, contemporary theatre makers engage with his legendary works, these classics are transformed and reimagined by bold new approaches. In doing so, Chekhov''s original drama is not only explored but reanimated and interrogated in revolutionary ways. From an ambitious one-person production, to a dance-poetry-play hybrid, to an intergalactic voyage, Chekhov''s work has never been so expansive or his experimental spirit so realised. This collection draws together seven contrasting adaptations, ranging from the formally inventive, to those that relocate the originals in times and places that expose forces of privilege and power. With an introduction by Frances Babbage which equips the reader with key methods of conceptualising dramatic adaptation, as well as providing a critical overview of the long history of Chekhovian rewritings for the stage, Adapting Chekhov in the 21st Century is a much-needed tool for adaptation and theatre studies students and Chekhov enthusiasts alike.
About the author
RashDashis Abbi Greenland, Becky Wilkie and Helen Goalen, and is a company of performers, musicians and makers. Their works include LOOK AT ME DON'T LOOK AT ME (supported by Slung Low, Paines Plough, HOME and Theatre Clwyd), DON'T GO BACK TO SLEEP: THE LOCKDOWN ALBUM - a verbatim concept album made after interviewing 18 people from 12 countries in lockdown, THREE SISTERS (co-production with Royal Exchange Theatre, co-commissioned by The Yard, Tobacco Factory Theatres, The Old Vic, MAYK and Cambridge Junction), THE DARKEST CORNERS (a large scale, outdoor, headphone show for Transform Festival 2017), TWO MAN SHOW (made with Northern Stage and Soho Theatre, Edinburgh Fringe First Winner 2016, Stage Award for Acting Excellence, shortlisted for an Off West End Award), SNOW WHITE & ROSE RED (a Christmas show for Cambridge Junction, 2015 and Battersea Arts Centre, 2017), WE WANT YOU TO WATCH (by RashDash and Alice Birch, National Theatre and UK Tour, 2015), OH, I CAN'T BE BOTHERED (shortlisted for an Off West End Award, Soho Theatre, 2014), THE UGLY SISTERS (shortlisted for the Total Theatre Award for Experimentation and Innovation, Edinburgh Festival, 2012), DARK WOODS DEEP SNOW (a Christmas show written by Chris Thorpe and directed by Lorne Campbell for Northern Stage, 2013) THE FRENZY & SET FIRE TO EVERYTHING!!! (outdoor shows commissioned by Lyric Hammersmith, GDIF, Imagine Watford and Latitude), THE TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA (a collaboration with Matthew Dunster for The Royal and Derngate, Northampton, 2011), SCARY GORGEOUS (Edinburgh Fringe First Award winner 2011), ANOTHER SOMEONE (Fringe First award winner 2010), and THE HONEYMOON.
