Three Sisters

Tempest Theatre’s one hour adaptation strips Chekhov’s original Three Sisters to its essence. A visually beautiful, quite poetic production, it looks at the women’s lack of choice, and how they are trapped by circumstances, giving us a much more sympathetic and relatable tale that resonates more strongly with the audience.

The original play, heavy with existential angst, can make for angst-inducing viewing, while this production, beautifully packaged, makes its point in far less time, retaining the “Russianness” of the original and conveying the same ideas. With no set to speak of, Katrina Johnston’s lighting design is integral in creating atmosphere, and the show is thoughtfully furnished and costumed.

The titular sisters are beautifully portrayed. Olga, the eldest, maternal and caring and forced to become a teacher then headmistress, despite her dreams, is expertly portrayed by Amy Welsh. Middle sister Masha, caught in a loveless marriage, was sensitively portrayed by Sarria Butler, albeit a little too softly spoken even for this intimate venue. Youngest of the trio, Irina, was given depth by Amanda Watson.

Young brother Andrei was well played by Luca Conte, an example of how the patriarchy impacts men too. An intelligent performance by Luca Conte.

A good sense of family, and a thoughtful and clever adaptation of a classic text. Another production with great impact from Tempest Theatre. 

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Yuki Omamiuda