It
is the turn of the 20th century and Russia is changing rapidly - the
serfs have been emancipated, a new middle class is arising and the
aristocracy is struggling to come to terms with their reduced role in
society.
Seeking to preserve a life of leisure and
luxury, Madame Ranevsky must consider selling her estate, including her
family's precious cherry orchard. But when faced with these hard
decisions, Ranevsky remains in denial.
Charting a
period of tumultuous change, Chekhov creates a cast of tangible and
unforgettable characters whose destiny is both tragic and inevitable. A
touching masterpiece, The Cherry Orchard was Chekhov's final play and perhaps his best.