‘Three Sisters’ // Theatre Works

‘Three Sisters’ was classic.

‘Three Sisters’ is a classic reimagined for the next generation.

Anton Chekhov’s ‘Three Sisters’ was published in 1900 and performed a year later at the Moscow Arts Theatre. It is simultaneously a time capsule of its era and an eerie depiction of contemporary challenges. It is as dreary as old Russian literature can be, but it is also joyful and humorous. Chekhov and other writers of this era feared the partition in front of the stage, it is assumed the audience would be watching a dialogue-filled performance trapped in a box without connection to the characters. ‘Three Sisters’ has been selected for this year’s VCE playlist, introducing many youth to their first stage play of such calibre. It provides ample opportunity to analyse and extrapolate its design and direction.

Director Greg Carroll has tackled the looming and created a performance perfect for introducing the next generation to the stage. There is a lot here for students to explore and learn from and a lot to entertain theatregoers. Much of Carroll’s approach is inherently conventional, as in it follows the conventions you expect to see in a Chekhov work, but there is also a lot of innovation employed to keep the audience engaged.

We were welcomed into a dark, almost horror set with a large steel-constructed structure that resembled a mineshaft and an enormous hardwood dining table that dominated the room. We also noticed a tiny picture and a clock with no hands. Nevertheless, the play opened with three vibrant girls giggling with joy. The dichotomy employed of a youthful optimism and a joyless adulthood emphasised the bleak realities of life during this time.

The trick I have found with this genre of theatre is to forego, to close oneself off from the outside world and focus on what is happening on stage. Carroll ensures that the audience could connect with the cast if they were connected to what was happening. There were many times I felt part of this performance as I do for many other performances, and with a large cast, this certainly was a skilled execution. Much of this show is watching people interacting with each other without regard for the audience, something that many people do find interesting in other concepts. If you enjoy gossip, you should enjoy this as it is staged gossip. Carroll did include scenes when actors addressed the audience and recited internal monologues. The trick is to make sure you are following, otherwise,e you will miss crucial elements of the plot, and it is hard to catch up and you will then feel disconnected from the play.

Chekhov’s narrative is the life of three sisters, Masha (Joanna Halliday), Irina (Stella Carroll) and Olga (Mia Landgren, and the many men in their lives. Three siblings forced to raise themselves in a dark manor past its prime whilst their fortune is gambled away by their charismatic brother. They dream of a better life that never seems to come whilst they sink deeper into the destitute. It is performed at the Theatre Works space with an abridged script translated into English. Chekhov keeps storylines uncomplicated, instead focusing on landscapes. It is dark, dreary and poignant. It censors nothing about its time, instead confronting the audience with the reality of this time. Chekhov creates landscapes that are both the physical depiction of Russia, but also the political landscape and emotional landscape of its characters. Chekhov’s work is our most vibrant connection to early twentieth-century Russia. A furlough in history that will have a watershed effect on world history but also a time of great poverty and desperation. It is a respectful portrayal validating in a comforting way. ‘Three Sisters’ slowly decays into a sombre abyss, the aspirations of its titulars blow into the cold wind, and they are forced to succumb to despair. Casting this performance was very well done. Auditions were well-advertised which resulted in a brilliant cast. Each character was very recognisable with a charismatic performance.

I thoroughly enjoyed the set design, particularly its symbolic nature. I instantly felt I was transported into a nineteenth-century Russian home, but also a cold and dreary abyss of broken dreams. VCE students should take note that the imposing structures evoke both the architectural style and cold atmosphere of the era. The costuming was also spectacular, with care taken for historical accuracy in the military uniforms and feminine dress. I also enjoyed the use of colour in the costumes of the three sisters, symbolising youthfulness, marriage and aging with the use of white, red and black. The sound and lighting were brilliantly dramatic, with music that transported you to the time period.

Anton Chekhov’s work was an inescapable part of my early university career. His work sparked an interest in people, their lives and interactions as mundane as our own. Stories are not uncommon, uninteresting but relatable. Knowing this performance is on the VCE list is comforting in the knowledge that a new generation can master the craft of performance with a brilliant contemporary take on a classic.

‘Three Sisters’ performs until Saturday 22 March 2025 at Theatre Works. For more information, visit Theatre Works’ website.