Ivanov is ordinary. And yet Ivanov is extraordinary. He stands out like out a black hole around which a ridiculous, poignant miniature universe gravitates and gossips. A world of parasites, inveterate snobs and cynics. We catch glimpses of them indulging in endless card games to relieve the tedium or drowning their sorrows in vodka. At the heart of this ailing society, Ivanov flounders under the weight of his ruined ideals. Nowadays, we would say he is burnt out, depressed. Anna, his wife, is dying but is unaware of her plight. Sacha, the considerably younger neighbour, dreams of bringing him new happiness. Each of them wants something from Ivanov: love, money, or actions. Ivanov is besieged. Surrounded. He can take no more...
Luc Bondy’s flowing and romanesque production, resembling a storm-ridden sky streaked with outbursts of humour, is backed up by an exceptional cast and was one of last season’s major successes.
Cast
scenic version Macha Zonina, Daniel Loayza, Luc Bondy
from Ivanov's first version by Anton Tchekhov and Antoine Vitez's translation
set design Richard Peduzzi
costumes Moidele Bickel
lighting Bertrand Couderc
music Martin Schütz
make up / hair dresser Cécile Kretschmar
production Odéon-Théâtre de l’Europe
créé le 29 janvier 2015 à l’Odéon-Théâtre de l’Europe
avec le soutien du Cercle de l'Odéon
