Details

Darkly comic play set in Russia as the country rolls towards revolution. It depicts the new middle-class, foolish yet likable, as they flounder about, philosophising and flirting, blind to their impending annihilation. Protasov wants only to immerse himself in chemical experiments to perfect mankind. He's oblivious to the advances of the half-crazed widow and his best friend's pursuit of his wife, let alone the cholera epidemic and the starving mob. His admiring circle, variously sceptical and lovesick, spar over culture and the cosmos. Only Liza feels the peasants' suffering and senses their own privileged world is in jeopardy.

Cast/Performers

Lucy Black, Matthew Flynn, Paul Higgins, Gerald Kyd, Emma Lowndes, Maggie McCarthy, Justine Mitchell, Geoffrey Streatfeild

Creatives/Company

Author: Maxim Gorky
Adapted by: andrew Upton
Producer: National Theatre
Director: Howard Davies
Design: Bunny Christie
Lighting: Neil Austin
Sound: Paul Groothuis