Tim Byrne

Melbourne Theatre Company’s production of Anton Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya, adapted by Joanna Murray-Smith and directed by Anne-Louise Sarks, is criticised for aggressive modernisation, excessive profanity and an uneven tone that pushes the tragicomedy toward farce. Fayssal Bazzi and Philippa Northeast are singled out for strong performances, while Evelyn Krape is also praised; Daniel Henshall and Catherine Vǎn-Davies receive mixed or negative assessments, and Shaun Micallef’s celebrity casting as the professor is condemned. Despite a promising visual design and a late return to emotional gravity, the production is judged to undermine Chekhov’s silence, ambiguity and contemplative power.