Review

Here is a review of a recent production of the sisters in Harlem

http://theater.nytimes.com/2009/02/25/theater/reviews/25thre.html?scp=1&sq=the%20three%20sisters%20chekov&st=cse

"Here the actors often appear to be building their characters in a vacuum."

How to avoid this? One of the interesting things that we seem to have focused on so far in class and with Tony is that sense of isolation. Having a conversation with someone yet remaining distant. Although interesting, I think this might be a trap. At least it seems like this particular production may have went too far in their manifestation of that idea. I'm curious as to how to solve this. The Chekov article we read for class talks about how the characters should be about to burst out with energy and emotion at any moment. It seems like the conflict is constantly, do I have the strength and desire to speak up about what I am actually feeling, or do I just lie. So maybe these actors weren't being specific enough with their subtext. I think it is probably key to have it involving the people in the scene in someway.

- Denver