Could there be a better cast than in this version? Each actor is not only gifted, playing their parts brilliantly, but they also look like each character should. One of the reasons this production is so memorable is the sensational cast. Just expect the final scene with Sonya’s speech to Uncle Vanya about life to leave you in tears. While it’s a depressing play on the surface, there are moments of levity and humor. The story draws you in from start to finish with themes of boredom, melancholy, hidden passions, and the wasted life.

Meanwhile, Sonya, the professor’s grownup daughter, is in love with Astrov, but he doesn’t see her that way, leaving her to suffer her unrequited love in miserable silence.Įverything turns ugly when the professor announces he plans to sell the estate even though it’s Vanya who’s been running it all these years (for low pay), and Sonya is the legal owner. Soon, Vanya (the brother-in-law of the professor from a previous marriage) and Astrov, a local country doctor, both find themselves falling in love with her – while lamenting their dull and wasted lives in the country. A professor retires and moves back to his rural estate – bringing his young and elegant wife, Yelena, back with him. It’s the turn of the 20th century in Russia when the play begins. Be prepared to enter a world of beautiful melancholy, dark, ironic humor, and repressed passions. Credit: Courtesy of Johan PerssonĪnd while it’s not as good as seeing it in person, watching Uncle Vanya on PBS’ Great Performances is the next best thing.

Toby Jones and Richard Armitage in Uncle Vanya on PBS.

Chekhov play vanya