A Multilingual Marvel: Anton Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard at Under St Marks

Cherry Orchard in 8 languages!

Actor/Producers Anya-Violette Zhang, Roslind Finlay, and Frank Pagliaro have orchestrated a truly innovative and captivating production of Anton Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard at Under St Marks in New York. This unique adaptation boasts a multilingual cast that effortlessly weaves together Mandarin, French, Japanese, Romanian, English, Portuguese, Vietnamese, and Spanish, offering a cultural tapestry that transcends language barriers.

Directed by Frank Pagliaro, the play unfolds as a cosmopolitan theatrical experience, breathing new life into Chekhov's iconic work. The diverse cast, with actors speaking a myriad of languages, adds layers of complexity and richness to the characters, making this production stand out in the New York theater scene.

The standout performances are numerous, showcasing the talent and versatility of the cast. Each actor brought a unique flair to their role, contributing to the success of this groundbreaking production at Under St Marks Theater. The chemistry among the cast members, coupled with their linguistic prowess, creates a theatrical experience that transcends cultural and linguistic boundaries, making Anton Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard an unmissable event in the New York theater scene. 

Elena Lozonschi delivers a tour de force performance as Lyubov, infusing the character with a poignant depth and wisdom that surpasses her years. Speaking in Romanian, Lozonschi's portrayal adds authenticity to the character, making Lyubov's emotional journey all the more resonant. Her ability to connect with the audience on an emotional level is a testament to her craft. Liam Ashizawa brings a fascinating layer to Gaev by delivering his lines in Japanese. This creative choice not only showcases Ashizawa's linguistic prowess but also adds an intriguing cultural dimension to Gaev's character. Ashizawa's performance captures the essence of Chekhov's writing while offering a fresh perspective on the character. Anya-Violette Zhang mesmerizes as Anya, delivering a beautiful performance in Mandarin. Their portrayal adds a layer of authenticity to the character, and Zhang's command of the language enhances the emotional resonance of Anya's journey. Zhang's nuanced performance ensures that Anya becomes a captivating focal point of the production.

Amy Hart Nguyễn showcases her remarkable versatility by seamlessly transitioning between French, Vietnamese, and English in her portrayal of Varya. Nguyễn's mature and emotionally charged performance brings depth to Varya's character, making her a standout presence on the stage. The linguistic dexterity displayed by Nguyễn contributes to the richness of the overall production. Nando Asencio injects charisma and charm into the character of Trofimov, delivering his lines with flair in Spanish. Asencio's portrayal adds a romantic and passionate dimension to Trofimov, turning him into a captivating Casanova. His command of the Spanish language enhances the character's allure, making Trofimov a memorable part of the production.

In the role of Lopahin, Taylor Morin delivers a solid performance that anchors the production. Morin's portrayal is marked by a perfect balance of strength and vulnerability, capturing the complexities of Lopahin's character. Their stage presence and nuanced interpretation contribute significantly to the overall cohesion of the ensemble. Teddy Fischer's portrayal of Firs is a masterclass in comedic timing and tragic depth. Speaking multiple languages throughout the play, Fischer navigates seamlessly between humor and poignancy. His ability to blend caricature with genuine emotion, especially in the final scenes, showcases Fischer's versatility and contributes significantly to the play's overall impact.

Kevin Cheng brings delightful energy to the character of Yepikhodov, seamlessly switching between Mandarin and English. Cheng's physicality and comedic timing breathe life into Yepikhodov, making him a charming and entertaining presence on stage. His performance adds a layer of levity to the production. Joe Staton, a British actor taking on a French-speaking role, delivers a standout performance as Pischik. Staton's comedic prowess shines through, bringing humor and levity to Pischik's character. His first-time endeavor into a French-speaking role is a testament to his versatility as an actor, and he navigates the linguistic nuances with ease.

Kelsey Booth commands the stage with a captivating presence in the role of Charlotta. Booth's portrayal of Charlotta, coupled with her strong stage presence, adds a touch of mystery and intrigue to the production. Her performance resonates, making Charlotta a memorable character in this multilingual rendition. Lairce Dias, a Brazilian actress delivering lines in Portuguese, delivers a truly heartbreaking performance as Dunyasha. Dias's emotional depth and authenticity bring Dunyasha's character to life, evoking empathy from the audience. Her portrayal adds a poignant layer to the complex web of relationships in the play. Iain Murray McLellan, a Scottish actor portraying Yasha and speaking in English, crafts a Machiavellian caricature that we love to hate. McLellan's performance adds a layer of intrigue and villainy to the production, showcasing his ability to embody complex characters with flair. Roslind Finlay, not only stealing scenes as the Wayfarer but also serving as the Assistant Director and Co-producer, leaves an indelible mark on the production. Finlay's nuanced portrayal of the Wayfarer adds an enigmatic quality, creating a character that lingers in the minds of the audience. And finally, Amanda Niebuhr, though appearing briefly, makes a significant impact in the role of the Station Master. Niebuhr's performance is characterized by precision and depth, making her a noteworthy part of the ensemble.

This ensemble cast, complemented by the behind-the-scenes team led by Roslind Finlay as Assistant Director and Co-producer, Thomas Hughes Bellavigna as Stage Manager, and Yejia Sun as Dramaturg, collectively contributes to the success of this groundbreaking production. The entire team ought to be very proud of themselves.