Celebrated Australian playwright Joanna Murray-Smith breathes new life into Chekhov’s tragicomedy, Uncle Vanya, premiering at Ensemble Theatre from 26 July to 31 August.  

Led by Ensemble Theatre’s Artistic Director Mark Kilmurry, Uncle Vanya features a stellar cast including Chantelle Jamieson (A Doll’s House), Vanessa Downing (STC’s Do Not Go Gentle), John Gaden AO (Mr Bailey’s Minder, Diplomacy), and Yalin Ozucelik (Outdated). 

On a crumbling country estate, Uncle Vanya and his niece Sonya work tirelessly to preserve their family’s privileges. Visited only by the local doctor Astrov, it’s a lonely, mundane existence. That is until the sudden arrival of Sonya’s father Professor Serebryakov and his alluring new wife Yelena awakens long-repressed emotions with devastating consequences. 

Joanna Murray-Smith brings her classic, whip-smart dialogue to Chekhov’s beloved work, unveiling a hotbed of disillusionment and all-consuming unrequited love.