MEDIA CONTACT: Judy Moore at 847-491-4819 or jkm229@northwestern.edu

May 3, 2005

Chekhov Play Opens May 13

EVANSTON, Ill. --- Anton Chekhov’s drama “Three Sisters” is as timely today as it was when it was first presented on the Russian stage in 1901.

“Three Sisters” will be presented at 8 p.m. Friday, May 13; 8 p.m. Saturday, May 14; 2 p.m. Sunday, May 15; 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 18; 8 p.m. Thursday, May 19; 8 p.m. Friday, May 20; 8 p.m. Saturday, May 21; and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 22, at Northwestern University’s Josephine Louis Theatre, 20 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston campus.

Widely considered one of the greatest plays of all time, Chekhov’s masterpiece takes place during several years in the provincial Russian town in which the Prozorov sisters -- Olga, Masha and Irina -- and their brother Andrei reside. The play explores character, relationships, motivation and the gap between hope and fulfillment in the lives of the Prozorovs and their friends.

Northwestern theatre faculty member and alumna Mary Poole, who said that she frequently uses the word “yearning” when she is working with Chekhov in the classroom or on stage, will direct the production.

“In ‘Three Sisters,’ the ‘yearning’ to go to Moscow represents opportunities, culture and life itself. The world of the Prozorovs has closed in on them in many ways and Moscow represents freedom and fresh starts,” said Poole.

“Chekhov’s characters say exactly what they mean. ‘I want to die’ they do. ‘I’m miserable’ -- they really are. That ability to express and tell each other the truth doesn’t mean they tell each other everything they feel, but pretty much everything they say is the truth. ‘Three Sisters’ is a play of people who feel deeply and follow their own way, which requires great bravery.”

Tickets are $20 for the general public; $18 for senior citizens and Northwestern faculty and staff; and $10 for students.

For more information or to order single or group tickets by phone, call the Theatre and Interpretation Center box office at (847) 491-7282.

Online ticket sales for Northwestern Mainstage productions also are available through TicketWeb.com by going to the Northwestern University Theatre and Interpretation Center Web site at http://www.tic.northwestern.edu/tickets.html and clicking the TicketWeb icon.