Bitesize Chekhov @ Merchant's Hall
The happy man only feels at ease because the unhappy bear their burden in silence. Without this silence, happiness would be impossible. – Anton Chekhov
D’Animate present Bitesize Chekhov, beginning with two comedies and ending in the heartfelt drama Swan Song. There is a lot to recommend D’Animate, their performances are soulful and spirited, but there is more melodrama here than one would expect in a rendering of Chekhov who is so closely associated with naturalism. It seems that the performers know what lines will follow, rather than lingering with the thought they are thinking then and there in the moment. The Bear, is not acted as a bear, for instance. As these three mature they will no doubt gain the wherewithal to interpret these ambitious characters even deeper, yet as they stand they still render these two comedies in a way that is immensely entertaining.
The shining moment from D’Animate is their rendering of Swan Song with colourful flashbacks acted out by the supporting cast. The choreography charms as this immensely original approach brings the stage to life once more in the mind’s eye of the main character, a retiring actor, and in the eyes of the audience in turn.