Cechov returns to the Mercadante Theater in Naples with "Zio Vanya" - [Review]

An intense and deeply reflective opera "Zio Vanya", excellently represented at the Mercadante Theater in Naples in these days

Dramatic, there is no more effective word to describe the "new" Chekhov, these days al Mercadante Theater of Naples with "Zio Vanja".

Not that it surprises us. We did not expect anything different, but the density of the more than classic "dramatics" to whom Chekhov has accustomed us find space and concreteness in this light review by the work of Pierpaolo Sepe.

Plot almost unchanged, but made with a spirit that smells of modern thanks to an effective scenography, minimal and spacious.

Large space in four dimensions. In addition to the physical setting, in fact, even times find their own harmony thanks to the long silences of this great work, second only to "Il Gabbiamo", on which the accent is stronger mainly in the early stages, yet without never bore the viewer.

Excellent interpretations of Andrea Renzi (the doctor) e Giacinto Palmarini (Uncle Vanja) despite some very small hiccups minimally perceptible. On the other hand, the performance of the young woman is not particularly convincing Federica Sandrini (daughter Sonja).

Always intense and never boring, Uncle Vanja it is a work to be interpreted.

Numerous food for thought, always current almost to remind us how times change but not people.

Boredom, fatigue, despair, disappointment, anguish, fallacious love and desire dominate the work in stark contrast to the character of the characters, between those who want something that does not want to earn and who could deserve everything but receives only disappointment.

The protagonist uncle Vanya seems almost subdued compared to the original work as if to give the stage to the personality and presence of the doctor, proving more tired of life than of the work to which he sacrificed it

An intertwining of pain and drowsiness that will be increasingly more contorting the atmosphere of tension inside the house, forged in the grudge towards the professor, a horse on which they all pointed and which does not fail to disappoint when its inconsistency as an intellectual becomes reality.

Anger and pain that culminate in an ending that leaves no room for illusions.
No fable tonight, only raw reality in the beating heart of the Teatro Mercadante.

Finally, the harsh truth finds its space as the only choice: it is better to live another day suffering than to live it at all.

For more information on "Uncle Vanja"The Mercadante Theater of Naples we refer you to the dedicated article.