David Leaveaux, director of Chekov's 'Three Sisters' at the Abbey Theatre, has done a fairly good job with this most difficult of dramatic challenges. All 14 characters interrelate constantly, moving the story forward collectively, changing perceptions of the main themes, and helping towards the central climax -- the confrontation between the sisters and Natasha, whom their brother marries.

The play is an examination of love, and of the sisters' nostalgic longing to be elsewhere. 'Elsewhere' is Moscow, which remains an unrealised wish. Through this long play, we experience their lives to the full. Read More...