Fall main stage production to feature Chekhov classic

The Theater Department will present Anton Chekhov?s The Cherry Orchard, under the direction of Alma Becker, as its fall main stage production.

Performances are scheduled Friday through Sunday, Nov. 16-18, and Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 29, 30, and Dec. 1 and 2. All shows begin at 8 p.m., except the Sunday shows, which begin at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 general admission or $7 for students and senior citizens. Please call the theater box office at 580-5439 for reservations.

The last play written by Chekhov, one of the premiere writers of the 20th century, The Cherry Orchard is a comedic and sharply drawn portrait of Russian life revolving around the disposition of a famed cherry orchard and the fate of the Ranyevskya family. Though written in 1903, many contemporary issues arise: change vs. stasis, hope vs. pessimism, and free will vs. fate. These internal contradictions drive an assortment of colorful characters. Secrets and dreams of the past and events of the present propel the characters into an unknown future.

An upcoming performance of the play will benefit the Saratoga Springs-Chekhov Sister City Program, an ongoing educational and cultural exchange between the two communities. Scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, the benefit will include a pre-performance discussion with director Becker, and a post-performance reception and dinner on the Skidmore campus. Tickets are $50 per person.

Since 2001, Saratoga Springs and Chekhov, Russia, have been partners courtesy of Sister Cities International (SCI) is a non-profit citizen diplomacy organization with branches in over 120 countries. Founded in 1956 after World War II, the United States sister city Program was established to promote, at the community level, a global network of private citizens, municipal officials, and business leaders for the purposes of strengthening cultural understanding stimulating economic development, and conducting long term projects of mutual benefit.

Those wishing to support the benefit and attend related events should contact Pat Friesen, 542-9157, email: mcfriesen2@aol.com, for information and reservations. The Dec. 2 performance is also open to those who wish to simply view the play, with regular-priced tickets available.

(Illustrations are by Dierdre O'Connell, an artist and actress who was inspired by Chekhov.)