After Shakespeare, Anton Chekhov’s plays are the most frequently produced works by professional theatres throughout the world. We’ll uncover Chekhov’s greatness as a dramatist by reading some of his full length plays aloud in class. Discussions will focus on the ways in which he created stories filled with dramatic tension through setting, characterization, imagery and language. This is not an acting class. Reading dramatic texts aloud allows readers and listeners to engage with the play more fully.

Format: Each class member will select or be assigned a character to read in class and, following the reading of each act, everyone will then discuss the action, the characterization, and the elements of dramatic tension that Chekhov created. For those class members who don’t want to participate in reading aloud, short presentations will be assigned about the background of the plays.

Resources/Expenses: The Plays of Anton Chekhov, A New Translation by Paul Schmidt can be purchased new or used from $1.69 and up on Amazon, or from used book sites, and is available at local libraries and bookstores.