UNCLE VANYA

Old Wanja lives with his mother and his niece Sonja on his late sister’s farm. They lead a modest but satisfied life. This changes when Professor Serebrjakow, Wanja’s sister’s husband, arrives on the estate with his new wife Jelena. All his life, Wanja had had the highest respect for Serebrjakow, adored his education and scientific successes. But now Wanja has to realize that the professor is a reckless egotist, whose pompous speeches only contain empty talk. Young Jelena, with whom Wanja falls in love, has also been seeing through her husband’s character for a long time. In reality, she loves the country doctor Dr. Astrow, who pays daily visits but who is also loved by Sonja. Since nobody dares to speak his true emotions the situation becomes increasingly tense. Wanja, unhappily in love, sinks into depressions and starts drinking. Finally Serebrjakow demands that the farm, which is really Sonja’s property, shall be sold. He wants to invest the profit in stocks and shares. This bold demand is the last straw. At last, Wanja lets out his hatred of Serebrjakow.