Uncle Vanya

Hamilton, ON. January 8, 2024 — The smash-hit Crow’s Theatre production of Uncle Vanya opens at Theatre Aquarius on January 12, 2024, and runs until January 27, 2024. The spellbinding new adaptation by Liisa Repo-Martell, and directed by Crow’s Theatre Artistic Director Chris Abraham, breathes new life to into one of Anton Chekhov’s theatrical masterpieces. The original production played to sold-out houses at Crow’s Theatre in 2022 and is headed to Mirvish after its run at Aquarius.

“I am delighted to welcome Artistic Director Chris Abraham and his Crow’s Theatre team to Aquarius with their thrilling production of Uncle Vanya. Captivating, funny, tender and tragic, Uncle Vanya is simply a must see for theatre lovers,” said Mary Francis Moore, Artistic Director of Theatre Aquarius.

In the waning days of Czarist Russia, Ivan “Vanya” Voinitsky, and his niece, Sonya, toil ceaselessly to run their family estate. After retiring, Sonya’s father, a celebrated professor, returns to the estate with his young, glamorous wife. When he announces his plans to sell the land and evict them all, passions explode, and lives come undone.

A dazzling cast breathes new life into Chekhov’s masterpiece in a new adaptation by Liisa Repo-Martell. Brimming with emotional intensity, comedic genius, and tragic weight, this Crow’s Theatre commission and world-premiere adaptation provides an up-close encounter with a classic of world drama that every theatre lover must see.

CRITICAL PRAISE FOR THE 2022 CROW’S THEATRE PRODUCATION

“As this show, with its diverse cast, reminds us, Chekhov transcends borders and national identities. He speaks to universal human experience and, in the voice of Astrov, to our fervent hope for a better future.” – The Globe and Mail

“Uncle Vanya at Crow’s Theatre avoids those pitfalls of Chekhov in translation — dryness, aloofness, stasis. Liisa Repo-Martell’s adaptation is alluring and right at home in the mouths of director Chris Abraham’s actors; this Vanya, though set firmly in Czarist Russia, feels relatable and even startlingly contemporary, affirming the timelessness of the themes Chekhov explored in his writing.”– Intermission Magazine

“This beautifully sensitive production and deeply felt adaptation of Uncle Vanya is like a light in the world. Chris Abraham’s direction illuminates the ache of yearning, of disappointment and lost love.” – The Slotkin Letter

Cast and Creative Team

Anton Chekhov, Playwright
Chris Abraham, Director
Liisa Repo-Martell, Adaptor

Carolyn Fe, Marina
dtaborah johnson, Maria
Ali Kazmi, Astrov
Eric Peterson, Alexandre
Anand Rajaram, Telegin
Liisa Repo-Martell, Sonya
Tom Rooney, Vanya
Shannon Taylor, Yelena

Julie Fox, Set and Props Co-Designer
Joshua Quinlan, Set and Props Co-Designer
Ming Wong, Costume Designer
Kimberly Purtell, Lighting Designer
Thomas Ryder Payne, Sound Designer
Paolo Santalucia, Assistant Director
William Dao, Second Assistant Director

Lisa Nighswander, Head of Props
Janet Pym, Wardrobe Assistant
Polly Phokeev, Russian Translator and Consultant
Mario Morello, Music Consultant

Jennifer Parr, Stage Manager
Michael Barrs, Assistant Stage Manager

A Crow’s Theatre Production
UNCLE VANYA
Written By Anton Chekhov
Directed By Chris Abraham
Adapted By Liisa Repo-Martell

January 9, 2024: Pay What You Will
January 10, 11, 2024: Preview Performances
January 12, 2024: Opening Night
Runs Tuesday – Sunday until January 27.