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(Translated by Ann Dunnigan.)

Well, this was a decent play. I can't help being a little disappointed that it was a little too melodramatic than what I am use to by Chekhov, but I did appreciate the humor and dry wit sprinkled in this play. I wanted more emotion, but not as melodrama. All that said, this is still a nicely written play and it had more than its good share of themes to explore. I think the main commentary on the changing (or as we know with hindsight, ending) of Russian bourgeoisie life was very well on display. The sisters and Andrei, to me, represented the various ways that the old elite of Russia had declined, while people like Natasha represented the dark new way ahead, with no reason or need to stop her malevolent pace. The soldiers in this play are the most stable and healthy group of characters. Of course, the longing for home that propels the sisters' last real desire hit home for me as I am in a similar situation of late. Like all Chekovian dramas, there is not a real plot, but the audience are simply dropping-in on the family--story already in progress. I am looking forward to more Chekhov and I am now able to identify the themes linking Chekhov's "major plays" which I will try to talk about more in The Cherry Orchard.

"Olga: If we only knew, if we only knew"

(Read as part of The Major Plays)