Product Description

In these fresh, vibrant new translations of Chekhov's four greatest plays--Seagull, Uncle Vanya, Three Sisters, and Cherry Orchard--the brilliant theatrical translator Curt Columbus recaptures the master's open-ended simplicity. Curt Columbus loves actors and his new translations of Chekhov's four major plays are his gift to them. These are wonderfully actable, clear, and concise, and Columbus has perfectly captured Chekhov's unique blend of comic and tragic sensibilities. --Robert Falls, Artistic Director, Goodman Theatre.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #92267 in Books
• Published on: 2005-01-25
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

Review
"It is through this playwright, more than any other, that we make contact with the myth of modern Russia." -- Pamela Renner, American Theatre

...Curt has an uncanny ear for uncovering what is most active and reverberant in the great master’s words. -- Tina Landau

Chekhov is the actor’s playwright...and Curt Columbus is the actor’s translator. -- Martha Lavey

Columbus's translation triumphs through its clarity and consistent use of the active voice. -- Chicago Reader

Gone are the stuffy, brittle, unfunny, embalmed translations. Columbus has captured Chekhov’s vigor, humor and deep affection for his characters. -- Amy Morton

I acted in Curt’s translation of Uncle Vanya. It flowed like a river. It played like a dream. Do it. -- Austin Pendleton

These are wonderfully actable, clear, and concise, and Columbus has perfectly captured Chekhov’s unique blend of comic and tragic sensibilities. -- Robert Falls

…Robust and artful adaptor Curt Columbus… resulted in an engaging, completely accessible outing. -- Windy City Times

Customer Reviews

The most actable translations I've read
I've been reading and studying these plays for years now, and have read through and worked out of numerous different translations. Curt Columbus' versions of these four mighty plays are exceedingly well done. They are eminently actable and highly accessible to a modern audience. Yes, he does make some small adjustments, notably choosing to call each character by one consistent name, instead of using all of the various forms. Purists may scoff, but it removes a barrier to understanding for a modern theatregoer. Highly recommended for anyone directing Chekhov or teaching it to students.

Fun With Chekov
I was doing a showcase performance that included scenes from the Seagull and the Cherry Orchard. We were given scripts and began working, but it wasn't until I read Curt Columbus's translation that it really clicked inside my head what was happening. This book is a great tool for an actor or just to read, and provides a more modern take on the material. Somewhere between all the English translations lies the essence of the original Russian stories. I recommend reading as many different translations as possible.