Ivan Turgenev's A Month in the Country will get an update with what playwright Patrick Marber describes as an 'unfaithful version' of the Russian classic coming to the National's Lyttelton Theatre this summer for the second instalment of Artistic Director Rufus Norris' inaugural season.
The original: A Month in the Country by Turgenev
The comedy of manners about a bored wife and knotty romantic rivalry was originally banned on morality grounds by Russian censors in in the 1850s. With themes and moods that foreshadow Chekov, the play has inspired ballets, opera and a film adaptation. Its last major London revival was over 10 years ago and starred Helen Mirren and Joseph Fiennes. The cast for this revival is just as stellar, with Sherlock's Mark Gatiss and Olivier-winning John Simm (Doctor Who).
Three days in the country: Patrick Marber's adaptation
Condensing the story to just three days, Marber's reworking will intensify the themes of romance. Set in a rural estate in mid-nineteenth century Russia, Three Days in the Country will explore different ideas of love as triggered by the arrival of a charismatic new tutor. Expect warm comedy offset by a heart-wrenching look at the fragility of summer love.
Patrick Marber: new play
Having made his name at the National Theatre with the explosive premiere of Closer in 1999, Patrick Marber is eloquent on the complexities of relationships and misunderstandings. As well as reworking Turgenev's script, Marber also directs the show. This adaptation follows the premiere of another Marber play - Red Lion at the National's Dorfman Theatre.
The original: A Month in the Country by Turgenev
The comedy of manners about a bored wife and knotty romantic rivalry was originally banned on morality grounds by Russian censors in in the 1850s. With themes and moods that foreshadow Chekov, the play has inspired ballets, opera and a film adaptation. Its last major London revival was over 10 years ago and starred Helen Mirren and Joseph Fiennes. The cast for this revival is just as stellar, with Sherlock's Mark Gatiss and Olivier-winning John Simm (Doctor Who).
Three days in the country: Patrick Marber's adaptation
Condensing the story to just three days, Marber's reworking will intensify the themes of romance. Set in a rural estate in mid-nineteenth century Russia, Three Days in the Country will explore different ideas of love as triggered by the arrival of a charismatic new tutor. Expect warm comedy offset by a heart-wrenching look at the fragility of summer love.
Patrick Marber: new play
Having made his name at the National Theatre with the explosive premiere of Closer in 1999, Patrick Marber is eloquent on the complexities of relationships and misunderstandings. As well as reworking Turgenev's script, Marber also directs the show. This adaptation follows the premiere of another Marber play - Red Lion at the National's Dorfman Theatre.
| What | Three Days in the Country, National Theatre |
| Where | National Theatre, South Bank, London, SE1 9PX | MAP |
| Nearest tube | Waterloo (underground) |
| When |
21 Jul 15 – 21 Oct 15, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM |
| Price | £5 - £55 |
| Website | Click here to book via the National Theatre |
