Kirjahaku

This book examines the strangely neglected area of Chekhov's one-act plays and the evolution of his comedy techniques. These short pieces, written between 1885 and 1903, reveal many of the comic and distancing effects which are to be found in the major plays. Still frequently performed, they tell us as much about Chekhov's philosophy as his use of theatre, and justify his view of himself as a writer of comedies. Vera Gottlieb describes the playwright's approach to theatre in the light of contemporary Russian traditions: a succinct résumé of French comedy and vaudeville on the Russian stage provides the background for an interesting assessment of the degree of innovation in Chekhov's one-act plays. Russian sources have been used extensively, while an appendix includes new translations of two little-known theatre sketches by Chekhov. This 1982 book is a vital addition to criticism of Chekhov and the Russian stage.

First Published in 1996. Translated from Chekhov's short plays and adapted from his stories by Vera Gottlieb, this collection consists of four one-act plays. Short though they are, each contains a whole range of dramatic possibilities and presented together the plays form a coherent programme, offering performers and audiences an intimate theatrical experience ranging from high comedy to sombre analysis. Both student and professional actors will find an opportunity to display all their powers of invention, characterisation, timing, audience control, concentration and finesse. A Chekhov Quartet has been performed in London, Moscow and at the 1990 Chekhov Festival in Yalta

First Published in 1996. Translated from Chekhov's short plays and adapted from his stories by Vera Gottlieb, this collection consists of four one-act plays. Short though they are, each contains a whole range of dramatic possibilities and presented together the plays form a coherent programme, offering performers and audiences an intimate theatrical experience ranging from high comedy to sombre analysis. Both student and professional actors will find an opportunity to display all their powers of invention, characterisation, timing, audience control, concentration and finesse. A Chekhov Quartet has been performed in London, Moscow and at the 1990 Chekhov Festival in Yalta