Ep 2. The Bear
- November 21, 2010
After a successful debut, Chekhov Comedy Shorts returns with its second episode titled The Bear. Based on Anton Chekhov's classic play, this episode promises to be a hilarious account of the petty, vindictive lives of the landed gentry.
The Bear unfolds in the drawing-room of Elena Ivanovna Popova, a widow who has been mourning her husband's death for the past seven months. She is a stickler for tradition and is determined to live her life as a loyal and faithful wife even after her husband's death. But her world is about to be turned upside down when she receives a visit from one of her late husband's debtors, Smirnov.
Smirnov is a rough-talking, ill-tempered and unlucky landowner who has come to collect the money owed to him by Elena's late husband. When Elena firmly refuses to pay, Smirnov launches into a furious tirade about how the world is stacked against him and how the very people he needs to help him are doing everything they can to hinder him. Elena tries to shut down the conversation, but Smirnov is unstoppable.
As tensions escalate, Elena and Smirnov eventually succumb to their animalistic urges and tear each other's clothes off. But this is not the end of the story. After the carnal antics have ended, the unlikely pair finds themselves in a rather unusual predicament.
The Bear is a play that is ripe for humor, and this episode delivers on every front. With expertly crafted one-liners, smirking glances, and deadpan deliveries, the cast brings to life the absurdity of this tale. The comic timing is spot-on, and the interplay between the characters is nothing less than delightful. The writing is intelligent and witty, and the acting is superb.
The Bear goes to great lengths to make the audience laugh, and it does so with great success. The episode is a veritable comedy of errors, with both Elena and Smirnov caught up in a series of ridiculous plot twists and turns. Each new twist is funnier than the last, and the entire production is a testament to the enduring legacy of Anton Chekhov.
The sets and costumes are impeccably designed, evoking the time and place in which the story takes place. The lighting is expertly used to create shadows and highlights, emphasizing the intensity and passion of the characters. The music adds to the overall ambiance, reflecting both the sadness and joy of the story.
In short, Chekhov Comedy Shorts' The Bear is a masterful production that does justice to the source material. The cast and crew deliver a side-splitting performance that is sure to delight audiences of all ages. Whether you're familiar with the story or coming to it for the first time, this episode is a must-see. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the antics of Elena and Smirnov as they navigate the complexities of love, loss, and laughter.
