The Cherry Orchard July 22, 2011

“A funny and affecting production with an excellent cast, who capture the wild exuberance and piercing melancholy of Chekhov’s play.” Metro (UK)

Following Sydney Theatre Company’s Artistic Director, Andrew Upton’s acclaimed adaptations of Philistines and The White Guard comes Upton’s version of Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard, screening at Riverside Theatres on Saturday, 23 July, Sunday, 24 July and Thursday, 28 July as part of the National Theatre Live program.

This spirited new version of Chekhov’s last play is directed by National Theatre Associate Director Howard Davies, whose recent production of Russian plays (including Philistines, Burnt by the Sun and The White Guard) have earned huge critical acclaim.

Ranyevskaya returns more or less bankrupt after ten years abroad. Luxuriating in her fading moneyed world and regardless of the increasingly hostile forces outside, she and her brother snub the lucrative scheme of Lopakhin, a peasant turned entrepreneur, to save the family estate. In so doing, they put up their lives to auction and seal the fate of the beloved orchard.

Set at the very start of the twentieth century, The Cherry Orchard captures a poignant moment in Russia’s history as the country rolls inexorably towards 1917.

“National Theatre Live’s next installment makes accessible to Sydney audiences the collaboration of greatly talented and esteemed team of cast and creatives including Australia’s very own, Andrew Upton. Riverside Theatres is proud to be working with Sharmill Films and National Theatre Live in making available these special broadcasts of actual performances. The Cherry Orchard is one of Chekhov’s most loved plays and this critically acclaimed performance is not to be missed,” said Director of Riverside Theatres, Robert Love.

Wonderfully fresh, funny and deeply felt. One of the finest ensembles I have ever seen at the National.
Daily Telegraph (UK)

Howard Davies is Britain’s most consistently satisfying interpreter of Russian drama.
Evening Standard (UK)

Zoë Wanamaker is right on key… She portrays effortlessly, the blindness and indifference of a woman who refuses to recognise reality.
Daily Express (UK)

Sharmill Films and National Theatre Live Presents A special screening of
The Cherry Orchard
at Riverside Theatres, cnr of Church and Market Streets Parramatta
DATES: 23, 24 July & 28 July
TIMES: Saturday, 23, Sunday, 24 at 1:00pm, Thursday, 28 at 11am
TICKETS: Adults $25, Concession $22
BOOKINGS: Riverside Theatres Box Office on 8839 3399 or www.riversideparramatta.com.au
* A transaction fee applies when booking tickets