two plays by Anton Chekhov
directed by Darragh McKeon

Mangiare Theatre Company presents a Russian double-header for the 2006 Dublin Fringe Festival with two early comedies by Anton Chekhov: The Evils of Tobacco and The Bear.

"...splendid production... fast moving, polished and absorbing... demands to be seen." - The Irish Times

Previous to his emergence as one of the greatest dramatists of the 20th century, the Russian playwright Anton Chekhov had achieved widespread notoriety as a writer of popular bouvelvard comedies. His success was so great that he was forced to exclaim "practically every lady I meet begins her acquaintance with me by saying 'I've acted in your bear'." For this Mangiare production, we join a troup of Chechov "specialists" as they attempt to mount two of his most famous farcical plays: Evils of Tobacco and The Bear . But nothing is going right for this unfortunate troupe and, enduring mishap after mishap, their production might end up to be more of a farce than the plays they want to put on…

In The Bear the grieving widow Popova is in problematic times. Boorish, bullying Smirnov has arrived demanding payments on her husband's debts. Filled with swooning, hysteria, lust, a dual and a grumpy butler, Chekov's early classic contains all the vital components for a comedic evening where men are rude and inconstant, women are fickle and manipulative, and farces are farcial.

"...perfectly balances whimsical humour and wistful pathos." - Irish Theatre Magazine

In The Evils of Tobacco Ivan Ivanovich's keeps a music and boarding school for girls. Ivan Ivanovitch's wife has insisted he give a lecture on the harmful effects of tobacco (despite the fact the he himself smokes). Ivan Ivanovitch instead meanders onto the topic of his real expertise, the fact that his wife is, in short….a battleaxe. Unfortunately she's waiting in the wings. Should you meet her on the way out, implores Ivan -- "At least tell her the booby, that is me, behaved with dignity"

With a dynamic physical theatre approach and concept and featuring Jaimie Carswell, Dermot Maginnis, Joanne Mitchell, and Rory Nolan, and directed by Darragh McKeon; expect Mangiare Theatre Company's usual off-the-wall approach to these two classic Russian farces...

The Evils of Tobacco and The Bear will tour in Ireland in the Summer of 2007. Details to follow.

July 10th - July 12th: 8pm: Municipal Hall

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For more info contact Mangiare on info@mangiaretheatre.com