The Darling
by Anton Chekhov
Cast and Crew
Directed by Rena Polley
Cast Susan Coyne, Nancy Palk, David Storch
Page to Stage: Theatrical Readings
No other writer has evoked boredom, dreariness and ennui with such richly entertaining specificity as Anton Chekhov.
In The Darling, Chekhov gives us a glimpse into the unadorned ordinariness of Olga Semyonovna, a young woman who blindly devotes herself to the men in her life, molding her personality to suite their interest and opinions.
Considered one of his finest short stories, Leo Tolstoy compared The Darling’ to ‘a piece of lace’, like those woven by ‘old maids,’ who ‘put their whole life, all their dreams of happiness, into their lace.’
At first glimpse The Darling may seem slight, but a hundred years later critics continue to debate if Olga is an object of ridicule, pity or admiration.
Audience Comments
‘The actors were extraordinary and it was beautifully directed. I forgot how much I love Chekhov’s story and how funny they are. Such vivid characters and you could not have chosen a better trio to embody the wit, humour and banality of them.’
‘What a pleasure to watch your wonderful actors tell Chekov’s story so beautifully! And your creative direction really brought the story to life. A great evening. We were soothed by the story telling and engaged by the performances. Can’t wait to see the next one’
‘What a wonderful evening last night! The three performers were fabulous and I loved the easy way that the piece flowed from a reading to a performance seamlessly. It was all very enjoyable! ‘
‘It was effortlessly told, in such a delightful way. I felt like a kid being read a beautiful story.’
‘It was magical. That room was completely transformed. I was so taken away.’
‘What a beautiful and tender reading last night. Full of some kind of large generous sense of humour and pathos. I was hanging on every word. Thank you for something so delicate and funny and so full of a love for words and their speakers.’
‘I really like the page to stage format. I feel more connected to the actors, and even with simple stage actions, the images were vivid and complete. Your cast and story are terrific.’
‘So many gleaming precious gems. I loved hearing and seeing the story within the delicate framework you built. It was double enchantment to be led by Chekov’s master layering of details and the beautifully placed ingenuity of the actors.’
‘Before it all fades in my memory I simply must write you a fan letter. What a pleasure it was to be in the audience last Thursday. It was such a treat to be there. It was "only" a staged reading but demonstrated how moving and pleasurable a small production with no special lights of effects can be. I hadn't been to live theatre since Feb. before Pandemic which made it especially enjoyable. My heart filled with happiness close up to the actors, laughing behind my mask, clapping my hands enthusiastically at the end with tears in my eyes. A good production really is therapeutic to the soul. Thanks so much. My mood has been raised ever since i saw it.’