Three Sisters — Sydney Theatre Company

Overview

Andrew Upton's been at the Russians again and this time it's Anton Chekhov's Three Sisters that has fallen prey to his adaptation laser. Not known for his trick titles, Chekhov's work revolves around three sisters getting to grips with life in 1850s Russia: Olga (Alison Bell), a schoolteacher, Masha (Eryn Jean Norvill) an artist of sorts, and Irina (Miranda Daughtry) an idealist who is being flattened by reality. Oh, and their brother, Andrei (but he made the title much less snappy).

Opening on the first anniversary of their father's death, Three Sisters documents the efforts of this foursome to experience joy and fulfilment as the bland reality of adult responsibility slips a noose round their necks. This may sound like a broad synopsis, but it's a pretty broad play. Even with Upton's modifications, this thing runs at three hours. It's said that tragedy plus time equals comedy. Not always. It also equals the Russian classics.