Sons Without Fathers: (The untitled play, known as Platonov)

(Paperback)

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Description

Too old to move with the times; too young to let go of their dreams Village school teacher Platonov is a man who is loved by women. Despite his best intentions he is drawn into a series of extra-marital affairs that all hold the promise of escape from the provincial Russian reality where he and his circle of friends are trapped. Consumed by bitterness and disappointment, they attempt to fill the void in their lives with sex and vodka, blaming their fathers for the mess theyve been left in. Sons Without Fathers is a brand-new version of Chekhovs remarkable first play. Helena Kaut-Howson's version chooses to focus on just one of the many themes covered in the original text the predicament of a disaffected generation left adrift in a world without hope. Updated to modern-day Russia, the play intertwines the central story with contemporary political issues.

Reviews

"'Helena Kaut-Howson's adaptation is powerful - Well worth catching.' The Public Reviews 'An engaging production not to be missed.' What's On Stage 'This new version, adapted and directed by Helena Kaut-Howson, acknowledges the work's raw energy - filled with behavioural detail, restless movement and brutal candour.' Guardian 'Helena Kaut-Howson's re-working of Chekhov's Platonov - is a worthy attempt to give some shape and structure to a play which has lain on the shelf for far too long.' The Stage"

Author Bio

Internationally acclaimed theatre and opera director Helena Kaut-Howson has worked extensively in the UK and Poland, as well as in the USA, Canada, Israel, Ireland and Japan. She has directed over 100 productions, several of which won prestigious awards, and has also ventured into television. From 1992 to 1995 Helena was artistic director of Theatr Clwyd, Wales. Her vision and adventurous policy raised the profile of that theatre to an international league and attracted many major artists, including Anthony Hopkins and Julie Christie. Currently working as a freelance director, she divides her time between the UK and Poland. Helena's work is featured in several radio programmes and in a 60-minute BBC documentary, Breaking the Mold. Parallel with her professional career, Helena pursues her commitment to the training of actors by regularly teaching at LAMDA and RADA, where she is an Associate.