by Charles Kruger

Chekhov is known for writing plays of gentle melancholy, in which very little happens outwardly, but in which the inner lives of each character are exposed with such accuracy and intensity that even with little apparent action, the effect is exciting and intense. This intensity raises the dramatic and sorrowful (if not tragic) elements of the stories to the forefront. And yet, famously, Chekhov himself remarked that he was often writing comedy in spite of the melancholy that infuses his stories.

“Uncle Vanya” is an excellent demonstration of Chekhov’s assertion. Although full of melancholy, and depicting wasted lives and sad conclusions and petty cruelties and thwarted love, it is, undoubtedly, one of the great comic masterpieces of world literature. Striking the right balance between comedy and tragedy is one of the great challenges for any company attempting Chekhov, and it is all too rarely achieved. Audiences and producers alike will sometimes shy away from Chekov revivals because of this difficulty.

Have no fear! The marvelous company performing at Berkeley Repertory Theatre are as balanced as a Wallenda on top of a human pyramid. This “Vanya” is moving, tragic, thought provoking, heart breaking and hilariously funny. At moment after moment, I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, which is exactly the effect that Chekhov should produce. This is the best of Chekhov given the very best of interpretations.

Hugh Bonneville (who made his reputation as a master of comedy long before he was master of Downton Abbey) is superb as Uncle Vanya. It is impossible not to feel for him as he faces unrequited love, and comes to grips with the waste of his potential. It doesn’t sound like the stuff of comedy, but in Bonneville’s handling, the shocks of recognition and identification come so fast and heavy that we have to laugh with delight at being shown such amazing truth. Of course, we are laughing through our tears. A performance like this is not merely one to be celebrated, but one for which we owe Bonneville an enthusiastic, “Thank you!”

The rest of the company measures up. Yelena, who is the wife of the pompous Professor—a cocksure fellow who rules the roost with a majestic lack of empathy or concern for others—as well as the love object of the disappointed Vanya, is superbly played by Ito Aghayere. Yelena is all-too-conscious of the effect of her beauty, and cannot help but be cruel.

The Professor also has a daughter, the hapless Sonya (played with consummate skill by Melanie Field), who knows she is not beautiful but possesses a soul that sings. It sings, in particular, for the good Dr. Astrov (John Benjamin Hickey) who, alas, is more interested in singing with the beautiful Yelena. They are all so sad and ridiculous.

As Grandmaman, who idolizes the Professor, Sharon Lockwood draws laughs with her sly characterization of a an apparently foolish woman who might be wiser than she appears. And Nancy Robinette projects appropriate warmth as the all-seeing Nana.

Craig Wallace rounds out the cast as the hapless “Waffles,” cruelly nicknamed for his pock-marked face, who takes everything in stride, although perhaps without much understanding of nuanced situations.

Kina Kantor is credited as “ensemble,” and although she does not speak, her presence as an active participant in the action helps create the feeling that this is a real family with real relationships and a rich history.

The design team (Robert Brill, Susan Hilferty, Heather C. Freedman, Jen Schriever and Darron L. West) have created an excellent setting that provides a great sense of place without distracting us from the people.
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All of this is well managed by director Simon Godwin, who sets a satisfying pace that is never dull, and makes sure that we can comfortably laugh even as we feel sorrow and empathy for the sad stories that unfold before us.

This production is something rare: Chekhov as Chekkhov should be, without compromise.

“Uncle Vanya” continues at Berkeley Rep through March 23, 2025. For further information click here.
Please note that “Uncle Vanya” is selling out fast. Act now if you don’t want to miss out.
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Rating: ***** (For an explanation of TheatreStorm’s rating system, click here.)
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“Uncle Vanya” by Anton Chekhov, translated and adapted by Conor McPherson. Co-produced by Berkeley Repertory Theatre and Shakespeare Theatre Company. Director: Simon Godwin. Scenic Design: Robert Brill. Costume Design: Susan Hilferty and Heather C. Freedman. Lighting Design: Jen Schriever. Sound Design: Darron L. West. Fight and intimacy consultant: Danielle O’Dea

Cast:

Kinda Kantor: Ensemble. Nancy Robinette: Nana. John Benjamin Hickey: Dr. Mikhail Astrov. Sharon Lockwood: Grandmaman. Hugh Bonneville: Uncle Vanya. Tom Netis: Alexandre, a retired professor. Craig Wallace: Waffles. Melanie Field: Sonya. Ito Aghayere: Elena.