Ivanov

Part of a stellar Russian ensemble, Evgeny Mironov plays the title role in this contemporary update of Anton Chekhov’s potent psychological drama about human failings.

Groaning under financial debt, coping with the stress of a dying wife, and thinking of betraying his marriage vows, office worker Ivanov is full of self-loathing. A brooding presence surrounded by an intriguing company of sharply drawn characters – among them a devoted love interest, a brutally honest family doctor and a wastrel uncle – he is losing control of his life and ill-prepared to find a way out.

Russian director Timofey Kulyabin approaches Chekhov’s play with fierce insight and relentless drive, drawing out luminous performances that set the stage alight. Complete with a frivolous, sparkler-waving, heavy-drinking party scene, the production brings fresh perspective to the text while retaining its keen observation and comedic eye for detail.