The Cherry Orchard

 The Cherry Orchard
Donmar Warehouse
St. Ann’s Warehouse
April 19, 2025

Photo courtesy of Dunmar Warehouse
& St. Ann's Warehouse

The Dunmar Warehouse production of The Cherry Orchard is astonishing.  This adaptation, written and directed by Benedict Andrews, turns Anton Chekhov's classic into an emotionally engaging experience.  The stage is bare.  The floor and walls are richly carpeted.  The characters, while drowning in their own inability to take action to move their lives forward, are crisp, alive, and empathetic.

Liubov Ranevskaya Andreevna (played by Nina Hoss) returns home to her beloved Russia after years of living in Paris.  She fled in grief after her young son drowned in the lake on the family property.  The entire estate, including the surrounding cherry orchard, is now being sold to pay the debt.  Yermolai Lopakhin (played by Adeel Akhtar), whose father and grandfather were servants for the Andreevna family, suggests they cut down the cherry orchard and divide up the land.  They can build homes and rent the properties.  He assures Liubov that the bank will give them a loan for this endeavor, which will allow them to maintain their beloved family home.  She will have none of it.  Her brother, Leonid (played by Michael Gould), asks their wealthy aunt for a loan, but it is not enough.  Lopakhin outbids every offer on the property, leaving the family homeless and with no other choice but to move on.   

Adeel Akhtar as Yermolai Lopakhim
Photo courteys of Donmar Warehouse & St. Ann's Warehouse

Benedict Andrews makes bold choices in the development of this adaptation.  There is a passionate speech given by the liberal tutor, Pyotr Trofimov Sergeevich (played by Daniel Monks), that focuses on the takeover by the oligarchs, who have no concern for the working class.  Mr. Monks fervently delivers this monologue, which directly addresses the political situation that is presently out of control in our country.  In Chekhov’s original work, the table turns on the caste system, as the economic circumstances of the characters shift.  Money rules, and the power belongs to those who have more of it.  It is striking how the social conflict that Anton Chekhov wrote about in his play in 1903 Russia runs parallel to our present time.  

Nina Hoss & Sadie Soverall
as Liubov & Anya
Photo courtesy of Donmar Warehouse
& St. Ann's Warehouse

Mr. Andrews brilliantly utilizes the space, keeping the actors visibly present (seated in the audience) when not in a scene.  They are spoken about and physically referred to, keeping them connected to all the action of the play.  They fill the space as their ancestors inhabit the house and estate, exemplifying their sense of belonging. 

The cast is riveting.  The darkness that is ever-present in Chekhov’s work is there, yet it does not weigh down the action.  These actors bring a sense of optimism and hope to the bleakest of times.  When Anya (played by Sadie Soverall) and Varya (played by Marli Siu) miss the opportunity for marriage, they are disappointed but not broken.  These moments are genuine and endearing.  After the family loses their beloved cherry orchard and their home, they carry on.  They will not only survive, but they will also flourish and thrive.

The Cherry Orchard is playing at St. Ann’s Warehouse through April 27.  Get a ticket.  It is an amazing production, living up to the Dunmar Warehouse standard that we’ve experienced in the past at St. Ann’s Warehouse. 

Domenick Danza

The Tempest

The Tempest

Donmar Warehouse

St. Ann’s Warehouse

January 21, 2017

Photo courtesy of St. Ann's Warehouse

The Donmar Warehouse production of The Tempest is magnificent!  It is touring from London and playing at St. Ann’s Warehouse in DUMBO (Downtown Brooklyn).  The space is transformed into a women’s prison.  The theme of captivity and freedom rings out as you become viscerally connected to the experience.  The concept is solid.  The direction, by Phyllida Lloyd, is focused and effective.  The all-female ensemble is strong.  Harriet Walter is commanding as Prospero.

The play starts in the lobby.  A harsh, blaring sound is heard and the waiting audience is ordered to clear a path.  The actors are marched through the crowd, shackled and guarded.  The tone is immediately set before anyone has even entered the theatre.  Seating is in the round and assigned in “blocks.”  Guards are stationed at each block entrance.  The lighting is harsh.  There is another blaring sound and the ensemble of prisoners enters.  One steps forward and introduces herself.  She tells of her crime and how she has been imprisoned for thirty of her seventy-five year sentence.  She sits and writes in her journal… and becomes Prospero, imprisoned on his island, stripped of his Dukedom, and rearing his daughter, Miranda.  His mystical powers raise a mighty tempest that brings his plan for redemption and the reclamation of his title. 

Leah Harvey & Sheila Atim
Photo courtesy of St. Anne's Warehouse

Director Phyllida Lloyd states in the program notes that, “Shakespeare plays burn brightly when performed by a single gender.  Their veins become clearer.”  How true, especially with this phenomenal ensemble, boldly led by Harriet Walter.  Jade Anouka is haunting and dutiful as Ariel.  Sophie Stanton effectively portrays Caliban as wronged and misunderstood.  Leah Harvey is charming and adventurous as Miranda.  She is perfectly paired with Sheila Atim as Ferdinand.  Karen Dunbar and Jackie Clune are a comic and mischievous duo as Trinculo and Stefano.  Carolina Valdes, Martina Laird, Shiloh Coke, and Zainab Hasan are devious and noble as Antonio, Alonso, Sebastian, and Gonzola. 

Jade Anouka & the Ensemble
Photo courtesy of St. Anne's Warehouse

The theme of forgiveness as a means of achieving spiritual freedom, even if you physically remain imprisoned is clearly illustrated by Harriet Walter in the powerful ending of the play.  St. Anne’s Warehouse is the perfect venue for the technical needs of this outstanding production.  The Tempest runs through February 19.  You must experience it for yourself!

Domenick Danza