Fathers and Sons, Donmar Warehouse

Brian Friel's adaptation of one of Ivan Turgenev's best-known novels, Fathers and Sons, explores the clash of generations, radicalism, conflicting ideals and clashing passions.
The sons return from university, with ambition and appetite for change that conflicts with their fathers' more traditional values. The interactions enact both the force of generation shifts and Russia's rich history. Then, the arrival of young widow Anna adds to the tension. 
Hailed as the “Irish Chekhov”, Friel is best known for Translations and Dancing with Lughnasa. His own voice shines through as he adds to and amends the original move. As you'd expect from the Chekovian parallels, action is mostly absent: instead, waves of emotion and undercurrents of repressed passions propel this tragicomic play forward.
 Director Lyndsey Turner isn't new to Friel's work - she previously directed the acclaimed Philadelphia Here I Come! at the Donmar. Turner's star is only rising, and next year she turns to Hamlet at the Barbican , with no less than Benedict Cumberbatch in the title role.