Williamstown Theatre, Williamstown, MA
through August 19, 2012
by Walter Haggerty
A very deep bow is owed to Richard Nelson, Richard Pevear
and Larissa Volokhonsky for their vibrant and lucid translation of Ivan
Turgenev’s 19th century Russian masterpiece “A Month in the Country.” Williamstown Theatre Festival, with
Nelson’s masterful direction, has given this comedy-drama new and exciting
life. Last seen at Williamstown in 1978, this 2012 production is staged in a
vastly different and stimulating manner.
Taking a page from the legendary director Stanislavski,
Nelson has presented the story with great simplicity, virtually scenery-less,
with only basic, essential furnishings. On a thrust platform, extending into
the auditorium, the capacity audience, seated on three sides, is all but
enveloped within the production – and responds with rapt attention.
The cast delivers an ensemble performance that matches the
best of British repertory companies. In the most demanding assignment, Jessica
Collins delivers an extraordinary, bravura performance as Natalyla (Natasha),
convincingly managing instantaneous mood swings from deep depression to almost
juvenile silliness – all brilliantly. Charlotte Bydevell, as the ward of
Natalya and her husband, transitions from an immature 17-year old to a jealous
young woman ready to fight for young love.
As a “friend of the house,” Jeremy Strong’s Mikhail Rakitin
contributes loyalty, dedication, understanding and sympathy while subverting
his own love. The young tutor, Alexei, played by Julian Cihi, and the subject
of Natalya’s infatuation, has the difficult task of maintaining an air of
naiveté, until finally confronting reality.
Louis Cancelmi as Arkady Islaev, Natalya’s husband and
wealthy landowner, is first constrained in demonstrating his deep love for his
wife, until the point when his caring character is clearly and convincingly
defined. Sean Cullen, as a doctor, dispenses friendship and advice with
sardonic humor. As a wealthy neighbor with an inability to approach women, Paul
Anthony McGrave creates an indelible cameo, generously embellished with
humor.
Others in the smaller roles are Kate Kearney, Elizabeth
Waterson,Parker Bell and Harry Ford – all contribute brief but important
moments to this amazingly rewarding production.
To see a rarely performed classic in an exhilarating new
translation and dynamic presentation, “A Month in the Country” should not be
missed.
