The Cherry Orchard is a play based upon the play by Anton Chekhov and adapted and directed by Dmitry Krymov in Collaboration with The Wilma Theatre. This is a play about loss. Not just the loss of a child and husband but the loss of home and security. It also has so much similarity to the current events that are taking place in Russian and Ukraine as many are experiencing great loss.
Similar Current Events and The Cherry Orchard
I thought to myself when I read what the play was about why not? Was this play out of place? However as we got into the production, I seen how much it made sense to continue to the story now. To see the similarities. The experience of the loss of losing the Cherry Orchard had so much meaning to Ranyevska. She ran away to Paris to get away from her own sorrow. Do you ever get the chance to really run away and leave your problems? Same thing happening now. All of the refugees are leaving now but they bring and carry a piece of them everywhere they go. As much as Ranyevska wanted to simply walk away she finds she never will no matter what happens to the Cherry Orchard.
Safety Protocol
When you visit Wilma Theatre expect to show your vaccination card as well as have our mask on the entire time. This is to protect everyone. Theatres have lost so much with Covid that ensuring that they can bring you all of the greatness-be mindful of these rules. Coming ahead is Fairview. This begins May 31-June 18th.
Few HighLights in The Cherry Orchard
As we see Ranyevska unravel we also see how that affects everyone around her. You watch everyone try to tread light because they don’t want her to have to relive the death of her child and husband. She is in the midst of a mental crisis. Returning from Paris after devoting her time to a man who was after her money was yet another blow. No worries a game of Volleyball will fix it. What she was used to she retreats to. However we see that it’s not just her life that is hanging in the balance at the sale of The Cherry Orchard but her servants too. What will happen to their lives?
Excellency of Acting
I must say many of the cast I have seen play many plays at the Wilma and beyond. So I was used to seeing their excellency. However in this play there was a different type of energy. There are a lot of impromptu acting or at least that’s how it’s felt. Actors coming into the crowd, selecting audience members to be apart. I loved every minute of it. In my seat was the opening for Justin Jain who played Lopakhin to come through the audience. I am glad I didn’t simply slide over I would have been in the way. Each actor and actress had my individual attention. It was good to see how well everyone came together for this production
The Quiet Actor-The Solari Board
Once you see the production of The Cherry Orchard you will meet the quiet actor that doesn’t get any credit. The Solari board or Split Flat. This is the board that looks closely like the ones in train stations that tells you where to go. The humor in the use of this board was timeless. The Solari board took on its own character. It was helpful as it communicated to the actors/actresses and said the things they wanted to say or thought.
The Cherry Orchard at Home
Although the performances are over and may are sold out, The Cherry Orchard is available to view at home. You will be able to see the show from home from now until May 15th. You get to see the true essence of what the Cherry Orchard means to each character. To see their framing and how they are dependent upon each other. The loss of life and loss of all that you love in life. We all have these moments too. Giving support to those in Ukraine as they are in the fight of what life they have known.
Wilma Theatre is one of the most colorful theatres that I love to visit. The building on the outside is known for its purple decor. Also inside their cafe has some of the best treats. So if you are coming to Fairview make sure to come early so you can enjoy a treat before the show. FYI there is no food or drinks inside of the theatre.
All photos are courtesy of The Wilma Theatre and photo credit goes to Johanna Austin
