What's On

Anthropocene Play Company and Theatre Works proudly present

Uncle Vanya
Written by Anton Chekhov
Directed by Bronwen Coleman

This June, multi-award-winning director Bronwen Coleman (Dirt, Naomi, Ignis) and the Anthropocene Play Company breathe immediacy and new life into Anton Chekhov’s renowned classic, Uncle Vanya.

Returning to the family's country home with his gorgeous, much younger, wife the revered Professor Serebryakov is in turn adored and secretly resented by the extended family that has supported him for years. The shock announcement that he’s thinking of selling the estate causes years of bitterness and disappointment to bubble to the surface and threatens to horribly dismantle the lives of those who call it home. Both comic and tragic, Uncle Vanya is Chekhov at his finest. Sex, gout, and existential angst all come into play as the characters wrestle with what it is to be human.

This powerful and dynamic new translation from Richard Nelson, Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky is direct from New York, and an Australian premiere. The Anthropocene Play Company focuses on bringing the text to accessible, visceral life – the result is Chekhov’s work as you’ve never experienced it before.

A life member of New York’s famous Actors Studio, Director Bronwen Coleman and Anthropocene Play Company now bring this work to Melbourne’s iconic Theatre Works. Known for “the power and technique” (The Age) of their acting, audiences can expect to see “Melbourne’s finest actors” (Theatre Travels) in this vital new interpretation of a treasured classic. Running for 10 shows only, this exciting new season from APC is not to be missed!

This season is proudly supported by Bunjil Place

Written by Anton Chekhov
Directed by Bronwen Coleman
Performed by Dion Mills, Pia O’Meadhra, Alex Marshall, Sebastian Gunner, Catherine Morvell, Callum Mackay, Clare Larman, Helen Doig, and Thilan Ahangama
Production Design by Harry Gill
Lighting Design by Sidney Younger
Sound Design by Bronwen Coleman
Stage Manager: Fia Søfting
Produced by Sophie Muckart, Mikhaela Bourke and The Anthropocene Play Company
Images by Greg Elms
Publicity by Sassy Red PR

Praise for Bronwen Coleman and The Anthropocene Play Company:
“Must-see piece of theatre.” - Stage Whispers (Naomi)
“Engrossing, gripping, compelling, intriguing...” - On The House (DIRT)
“Ten of Melbourne’s finest actors.” - Milk Bar Mag (Ignis)
“Intimate performances embrace effortless transformations.” - The Age (Ignis)

7 – 17 June, 2023
Previews: 7 and 8 June, 7:30pm
Opening Night: 9 June, 7:30pm
Shows: Tues – Sat 7:30pm, Wed 14 June 11am
Tickets: $45 Full, $35 Concession, $28 Previews, $20 Mob Tix and 20 at $20 (+ booking fee)
Bookings: (03) 9534 3388 or via www.theatreworks.org.au/2023/uncle-vanya
Venue: Theatre Works – 14 Acland Street, St Kilda
www.anthropoceneplaycompany.com
Run time: 1 hours and 50 mins (interval inclusive)
Age Suitability: 15+
Warnings: References to suicide, gunshot noises