Events: Arizona - Phoenix - Scottsdale

SPACE 55 PRESENT'S

ANTON CHEKHOV'S UNCLE VANYA

Alternative theater space known for surprising 

audiences takes on gritty classic

SPACE 55 continues its cutting edge theater with new production of UNCLE VANYA.

With a dedication to perform "new and rarely seems works" Space 55 joins the New York theatre scene that is currently reprising the Chekhov classic. UNCLE VANYA features Shawna Franks as Elena, BJ Garrett as Dr. Astrov, and Richard Briggs as Uncle Vanya. Charlie Steak will direct.

Performances of UNCLE VANYA are Thursday - Saturdays March 14 - 30 at 8 pm

(Mar. 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30. Tickets are $15 and on sale at space55.org or at the door.

About Uncle Vanya

Locked inside their own souls, an unlucky group of characters is forced to spend the summer together on an estate in southern Russia. This new adaptation of Chekhov's masterpiece focuses on the tangled relationships between the beautiful Elena and everyone she comes in contact with - the dashing Dr. Astrov, her stepdaughter, Sonia, and the disillusioned Vanya.

Why Uncle Vanya?  Why Chekhov at Space 55?

"Uncle Vanya is definitely rarely seen, despite its recent new life in New York theatre. It's especially rarely scene in Phoenix I've always been struck by the humor, intimacy and heartbreak of this play, which is so very relatable. Though it's a classic, Chekov is maybe the edgiest thing a little edgy theatre like Space 55 can do. .  It's a play that is usually performed in a large theatre with period costumes, which can often make modern audiences feel removed from the piece. The intimacy of our small space adds a layer of feeling like you are a fly on the wall during someone's private conversations. It's feels wrong and exciting! We know these people, and we are these people. "

-Shawna Franks, Artistic Director, Space 55

"Too often Chekhov had seemed empty and old, mired in the past, filled with distant vaguely unhappy people.  But I remember my literature professor at UNC saying, in exasperated, heavily accented English, "Thees are plays about people, not cardboard.  People who love, people who want, people who can't get."  Since then, I've worked on Three Sisters and a version of The Lady With The Little Dog, and short play versions of some of Chekhov's short stories.  And she's right.  She was right about all of them." - Charlie Steak, Director

UNCLE VANYA

When:

Where:

Tickets: $15, available at

About Space 55

Space 55 is the home to cutting-edge theatre in downtown Phoenix. Formed in 2006, Space 55 Theatre Ensemble is dedicated to the development and production of new and innovative theatre and presenting it in a relaxed, casual environment at an affordable price. For more information, including a comprehensive list of ongoing events and shows, visit www.space55.org.