11: 10 things to know before studying The Three Sisters

1. Tzarist Russia: rigid class structure, social change.


2. Anton Chekhov: 1860-1904; doctor, short stories, plays, death.


3. 19th century drama: didactic melodrama and spectacle.


4. Realism: influenced by Darwin and Freud


5. Chekhov: ‘Let things that happen on stage be just as complex and yet just as simple as they are in life. For instance, people are having a meal, just having a meal, but at the same time their happiness is being created, or their lives are being smashed up.’


6. Chekhov: ‘All I wanted was to say honestly to people: 'Have a look at yourselves and see how bad and dreary your lives are!' The important thing is that people should realize that, for when they do, they will most certainly create another and better life for themselves.’


7. Features of realist theatre: plot structure, set, relationship with audience, method acting


8. Burying the plot, or ‘indirect action;’ subtext


9. Influence on Modernism & modern drama


10. Chekhov: ‘My holy of holies is the human body, health, intelligence, talent, inspiration, love, and absolute freedom, freedom from force and falseness in whatever form they express themselves.’