The Fiancée
by Anton Chekhov
Cast and Crew
Page to Stage: Theatrical
Readings
Directed by Rena Polley
Cast Rena Polley, Brenda Robins, David Storch, Helen Taylor
The Fiancée written by Anton Chekhov is part of our Page to Stage Theatrical Readings of Literary Works. This is our fourth presentation of an Anton Chekhov short story.
In The Fiancée, Nadya is a young woman who is engaged to be married, something she dreamed of for years. Her wedding is only a few weeks away but when Sasha, a distant relative comes to visit, her life begins to unravel.
The Fiancée, (also known as The Betrothed) was Chekhov’s last completed short story before he died from tuberculosis at the age of 44, and yet it is considered one of his most optimistic stories.
Audience Comments
on past readings …
“I SO enjoyed tonight. A cozy theatre set up so there were no distractions. Actors who presented the play in a clear simple manner as I am sure Chekhov intended when he wrote about seemingly banal things while calmly presenting something quite revolutionary (a woman taking charge of her own life - and realizing the old lifestyle was passing). Such good actors - clearly enunciating every word. Thanks - and bravo!”
“I loved every minute of the evening, from your fascinating words about Chekhov to the final poignant eerie scary hopeful breaths. So perfectly pitched!
I so admired the precarious and delicate balance you all found. Story theatre is such a tricky tightrope - a taut wire of telling and being - and so masterfully achieved! The direction is so elegant - light enough to allow us to imagine, yet chosen, specific, inventive. Again, such a beautiful balance. The actors are wonderful, wonderful. Wonderful!”
“I loved the delight and pleasure throughout it all. I adore how you all give yourself over to the work entirely. I mean it when I say, I love watching mature actors at the height of their games.”
“That was SO GOOD!!!!!!!!!! I could listen to his thoughts forever. You all did an amazing job of bringing it off the page and I thought you communicated the period and the banality and the undercurrent of hope (or is it hopelessness?). It was wonderful to watch. Congratulations!!!”
“Congrats on another beautiful production. We I loved being part of the experience last night. It’s so intimate and warm. It truly is magical. Your readings conjure up the same sort of emotions as being read to at night as a child when everything around you just stops and you feel comforted, safe, and happy to be transported away. So lovely.”
“Very happy that the young protagonist broke free and forged a life of her own… a topic with relevance even today. A I saw her as making deliberate efforts to try and expand her beliefs and behaviours.. Much like myself to a certain degree in always searching for understanding... And the weather.. I love the constant references as to the weather conditions as it directly reflects the state of the human of condition.”
“We’ve been to your Fiancée play today - and it was unbelievable! - Thank you very much again for the credible play and professional work!”