New Zealand Premiere
By Patrick Marber (Closer, Notes on a Scandal)
A version of Turgenev’s A Month in the Country
Directed by Susan Wilson
Music Design by Gareth Farr

Proudly sponsored by Paul and Danika McArthur, and Vivien Hirschfeld

Circa One
27 May – 24 June
Preview 26 May

Tues – Thurs 6.30pm
Fri – Sat 8pm
Sun 4pm

Running time: 2 hours 10 (plus 15 min interval)

$25 – $52

Three Days in the Country is set on a beautiful Russian country estate where the arrival of a handsome new tutor brings reckless, romantic desire to an eccentric household.

Based on Ivan Turgenev’s passionate, moving comedy, A Month in the Country which has been a source of inspiration for TV, films, a ballet, and the plays of Chekhov.  Patrick Marbers interpretation is a witty and elegant update on this Russian classic.

Over three adventure-filled summer days, this new arrival bestows lessons in love for young and old alike: first love and forbidden love, ridiculous love, maternal love, platonic love, the love left unsaid… and the love which must win out!

“I am truly excited by this play as I think Three Days in the Country is an excellent ensemble piece full of rich characters,” says Director Susan Wilson.

“I adore Chekhov and having directed his best-known plays I am acutely aware of the influence of Turgenev on those works.  Marber’s version of A Month in the Country is a smart, modern update, with the same secret longings and unrequited love. It is vibrant and humorous and I can’t wait to share this acclaimed play with Wellington audiences.”

“I’ve been lucky enough to assemble a 13 strong stellar cast of New Zealand’s finest theatrical talents – featuring: Ken Blackburn, Peter Hambleton, Simon Leary, Carmel McGlone, Andrew Paterson, Harriet Prebble, Gavin Rutherford, Bronwyn Turei, Jason Whyte, and Irene Wood.”

REVIEWS

“A delicious and sumptuous production, delving in to the many machinations of love and its effects on human nature, that is not to be missed.” – The Dominion Post

“This comedy of manners is expertly directed by Susan Wilson….Nothing changes yet everything changes in this very good play.” – The Wellingtonista

“This Susan Wilson-directed production ensures we are drawn inexorably into sharing, judging and empathising with each character’s experience of ‘love’ or its absence. And because emotional truth underpins each moment, their interactions generate a great deal of heart-felt comedy… In retrospect I find myself deeply impressed with how comprehensively Three Days in the Country explores its timeless and universal themes. The myth that Chekhov invented subtext is exploded: Turgenev creates it, Marber consildates it and Wilson and her team mine its veins of truth with profound sensitivity.” – Theatreview: The New Zealand Performing Arts Review & Directory

“Full of familiar faces Three Days in the Country teems with talented actors. The strong acting of lead Bronwyn Turei dominates the piece as much as her character dominates the household. If you’ve ever seen her in Go Girls you’ll have trouble believing she’s the same woman. Natalya is a complex character, easy to get wrong. But from her tiniest facial expression to her screaming collapse Bronwyn is exquisite.” – Wellington Reviews

“…the wit of the dialogue captivates. And, as in an elegant dance, the play keeps turning on its own heel, moving between comedy and anguish, reminding us of love as an impractical joke”

– The Observer

“…emotionally eloquent and disarmingly funny, delicately fretted with melancholy”

– The Stage 

Directed by Susan Wilson
Music and Sound Design: Gareth Farr

Set Design: Ian Harman

Lighting Design: Marcus McShane

Costume Design: Sheila Horton

Featuring: Ken Blackburn, Peter Hambleton, Simon Leary, Carmel McGlone, Andrew Paterson, Harriet Prebble, Gavin Rutherford, Bronwyn Turei, Jason Whyte, and Irene Wood.

Introducing: Maia Diamond, Alex Buyck, Felix Steiner, Shauwn Keil, and Alexandra Taylor.

For more information, images or an interview please contact publicist Brianne Kerr on 0211655784  / briannekerrpublicity@gmail.com