THE CHERRY ORCHARD. Drama by Anton Chekhov. Directed by Alistair Duff. Presented by Muizenberg Amateur Dramatic Society. At The Masque Theatre until 10 November, 2018.
SHEILA CHISHOLM reviews
Any director tackling an Anton Chekhov play requires not only confidence in his/her own skill, but also the cast’s individual and collective talent.
So to Alistair Duff and his intrepid Thespians must go praise for attempting presenting The Cherry Orchard. They certainly made a valiant attempt to do justice to this masterpiece of modern theatre.
A typically complex Chekhov plot
Written in 1904, The Cherry Orchard is a typically complex Chekhov plot involving a large cast (13), who, naturally, are called by their Russian names.
Names, not falling easily on Western ears unless diction is exceptionally clear or, programme notes delineate who’s who, and identify relationships. Without either on the evening I saw the show, only Chekhov scholars weren’t left thoroughly confused about what the play was all about.
Although I am not a Chekhov scholar, I do know the play, but even then I had great the greatest difficulty understanding where everyone fitted together. An exception was John McConnell as Firs the old serf. McConnell no longer has a young voice, (ideal for the part), yet every word could be heard – well done.
To keep theatre alive and audiences entertained, it is important for directors and actors to stretch themselves beyond mundane plays and plots. However, it is equally important, that they know their limitations. Unfortunately, for Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard they didn’t.
What: The Cherry Orchard review
Who: Muizenberg Amateur Dramatic Society
Where: The Masque Theatre Muizenberg
Masque Theatre: https://www.masquetheatre.co.za/
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