Hello,
UNCLE VANYA has it’s first preview tomorrow and the whole building is alive with anticipation. It feels special in here, even our tiny backstage area is abuzz with energy from our (larger than normal) cast.
We rarely do classics at Red Stitch, instead opting for contemporary writing from Australia and overseas. So this new but loyal version by Annie Baker, one of our favourite international playwrights, is an exception to the rule. As a company we have a close relationship with Baker’s work, having previously introduced Australian audiences to her writing (The Aliens and The Flick). Nadia Tass directed our previous two Baker productions, so we’re thrilled to have her back at the helm.
Our resident, red-headed Russian, Olga Makeeva, (originally hailing from Moscow), has advocated for a Red Stitch production of Chekhov for years. Olga is joined by former Artistic Director and original ensemble member David Whiteley alongside 2016 graduate Eva Seymour, our youngest member. Its a delight to see this span of the company working together onstage. Rosie Lockhart and Ben Prendergast return after some time off, and we are thrilled to welcome brilliant guest actors Marta Kaczmarek, Kristof Kaczmarek and Justin Hosking rounding off the cast of this timeless, sad comedy.
I can’t wait to share a very special night at the theatre with you.
Ella Caldwell
Artistic Director
Red Stitch
Uncle Vanya
By Anton Chekhov
A new version by Annie Baker
Directed by Nadia Tass
Australian Premiere
With Rosie Lockhart, Olga Makeeva, Ben Prendergast, Eva Seymour, David Whiteley, Justin Hosking, Kristof Kaczmarek & Marta Kaczmarek
15 November – 17 December
Book now
Creatives
Set & Costume Sophie Woodward
Lighting David Parker
Assistant Lighting Clare Springett
Composition & sound Daniel Nixon
Production Manager Sara Grayson
Stage Manager Hannah Bullen
Assistant Stage Manager Arthur Giamalidis
