Uncle Vanya

Uncle Vanya which in my own opinion was the best show we've seen in St. Petersburg. Nothing quite reminds me of home like a bunch of farmers feuding and arguing who's going to marry the man whose got several decades on them. The only thing missing is the slight hint of inbreeding and a dab of bestiality. People say the best stories are the ones that draw you in and paint you the most vivid of mental pictures to make you feel as if you're actually present for the events. Uncle Vanya does this perfectly by presenting a scene that at first glance appears to show any and all things one would expect of a historical farming area. An older gentleman sits rocking in a chair as the discussion of what's going on around him takes place. Then ones initial intrigue with this scene starts to take a turn for revulsion as you realize the woman close to mine own age is flirting with a doctor twice her age. This revulsion doubles once it is revealed that the other young woman is actually married to the man who appeared to be in his 70s and who was hovering on the brink of death. In my mind this reminds me of the many women Hugh Hefner has married over the years. A similar revulsion other than at least the woman in the play married him for his intellect.  The most shocking part to me is not from any one of these "revulsive" scenes but from the sheer ignorance of the older Doctor. The fact that he is portrayed in this play as the smart and considerate man, but still can't tell that the professors daughter loves him may show more of his true intelligence. However, he would hardly be the only character in the show that hides their true nature or character. Uncle Vanya the compassionate and submissive uncle throughout the majority of the play eventually snaps and tried to murder his brother for the injustices he has received. These contrasting dualities show what I believe to be the true point that the show is getting at which is a duality focused realism in which for everything someone experiences there is also another opposite to it. The old and young relationships, the easy going and the anger fueled emotions, and the compassion for one and the lack of attention for another all drive home this point.