Life’s winding road isn’t always a smooth ride. Sisters Olga, Masha and Irina discover this as their lives take unpredictable twists and turns. Houston audiences can join them on their journey when the University of Houston’s School of Theatre & Dance presents Anton Chekov’s “Three Sisters.”
Directed by visiting artist John Tyson, “Three Sisters” will be performed Nov. 13 – 22 in UH’s Lyndall Finley Wortham Theatre (Entrance 16 off Cullen Boulevard). Tickets are $20 and $10 (for students and seniors). They can be purchased online or at the Wortham box office (713-743-2929).
Performances times and dates are as follows:
- 8 p.m., Nov. 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21
- 10:30 a.m., Nov. 20
- 2 p.m., Nov. 25, 22
“I think Chekov plays resonate with audiences because he’s a very special playwright,” Tyson said. “He writes about little events in people’s lives that lead to large, catastrophic climaxes. His plays are filled with tenderness and humor. There’s a lightness of touch to them. When you see a Chekov play, there’s a lot to respond to.”
Chekov’s classic focuses on Olga, Masha and Irina as they navigate life in early 20th century Russia. Each has dreams and ambitions but are constrained by ill-conceived marriages, affairs, conflicts (with vicious sister-in-law Natasha) and other circumstances.
Since its 1901 debut at Moscow Arts Theatre, “Three Sisters” has maintained a steady presence on stages around the world. This production will be the first UH play for director Tyson, a 14-year veteran with the Alley Theatre’s acclaimed artist company.
“This is one of my all time favorite plays. I didn’t know when I’d have a chance to direct this, so I am very grateful for this opportunity,” he said. “I like this play because it has several strong female roles, as well as very good supporting parts that are perfect for young actors.”
“Three Sisters” cast members include Katherine Pepin as Olga, Precious Merenu as Masha, Laura Menzie as Irina, Meg Rodgers as Natasha, Adham Haddara as Andrey, Harry McEnerny V as Kulygin and Jay Mast as Tusenbach.
The UH School of Theatre & Dance offers bachelor’s and master's degrees in theatre and teacher certifications in dance and theatre. Its graduate program consists of a Master of Arts in theatre and Master of Fine Arts in theatre with specializations in acting, technical production and design. Alumni include actors Jim Parsons, Dennis Quaid, Brett Cullen, Robert Wuhl and Dylan Paul. Faculty includes Tony Award-winning producer Stuart Ostrow, Tony-nominated designer Kevin Rigdon and award-winning playwright and screenwriter Theresa Rebeck. Among the greats who have taught at the school are Sidney Berger, Edward Albee, Lanford Wilson, Mark Medoff, Sir Peter Hall, Jose Quintero, Patsy Swayze and Cecil Pickett. In 2012 and 2013, the school was named “Best College Theater” in the Houston Press Theater Awards. For details on UH's School of Theatre & Dance, visit www.theatredance.uh.edu.