Richard Brown tells us about adapting these short plays for Bawds' upcoming April production of Chekhov's Four Farces at the ADC Theatre.
What themes tie these short plays together?
Fate, hardship, disappointment, the continuous battle against the weather, not to mention bodily disorders, all seem to be the lifeblood of Russian theatre. You can either give in to them or just laugh at them. In these short plays, which Chekhov described as Vaudevilles, he chooses the latter course. He peoples them with exaggerated and fantastical characters, very often borrowed from his less-than-successful novels. They of course lack the sensitivity of the characters in his main plays, but what they lack in subtlety they gain in a style of humour that whacks you between the eyes.
Why did you decide to make your own adaptations?
The adaptations you will see tonight were originally written for a production for the Brampton Theatre Group, a company sadly no longer existing, which had the joy of a purpose-built little theatre on the now defunct RAF Brampton site. They were subsequently revised a few years ago by the Huntingdon Drama Group.
What is it that you wanted to achieve with these new adaptations?
The more famous of these short plays are regularly staged and there are several adaptations available. They mostly pay a much greater respect to the author than the versions you are about to see. However, respect also carries with it the problem of translating comedy not only from one language to another, but also from one century to another. The problem with comedy is that appreciation changes so much over time. Literal adaptations of these plays tend to be very overwritten and lack the snap of modern one-liners. So, I gave myself the challenge of trying to retain (with huge love and respect) the feel of the originals, but at the same time moving the comedy forward. This led me down paths that were totally unexpected and which in two important cases, led to a change of sex for principal characters. I am aware that all the fun I have had in the writing might just be an indulgence but to discover whether that is true or not, the plays need an audience. To that end I am so very grateful to my dear friends in BAWDS, a Company I have directed and acted for in the past and maybe future – for their enthusiasm and encouragement in giving these little absurdities a fresh lick of paint.
Chekhov's Four Farces
adapted by Richard Brown
Tue 14 - Sat 18 April, 7.45PM & Sat 18 April, 2.30PM
ADC Theatre
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