Eamon Flack’s Ivanov
Anton Chekov’s dark humour is being revamped in Eamon Flack’s adaptation of Ivanov. As a celebration of human magnificence and ridiculousness, Ivanov will be playing on the Belvoir stage through to November.
“It manages to be a Hamlet-like tragedy, and a kind-of high-fast comedy at the same time,” said director Eamon Flack. “It swings from some of the silliest set pieces you can get, to the real… man vs the universe, kind-of ‘alone in the world’ stuff.”
Flack’s adaptation remains similar to Chekov’s original; however, much of the characterised anxiety has been shifted towards a more Australian context, and serves as a natural critique of modern Australian society.
“It’s a play about a group of people who used to have a strong sense of the world,” explained Flack. “They lived in a society [which] they all belonged to. Now, [they] don’t know where they’re headed – I think that’s a pretty good story to tell right now.”
Ivanov will challenge the audience in a delightful manner, attempting to put Australia on the stage through the guise of contemporary Russia. (NB)
Until Nov 1. Belvoir St Theatre, 25 Belvoir St, Surry Hills. $49-$72. Tikets & info: belvoir.com.au
BY NYSSA BOOTH