The Cultural Affairs Bureau presents The Cherry Orchard, a theatrical classic featuring Isabelle Huppert in the lead role, reimagined by Portuguese director Tiago Rodrigues. Anton Chekhov’s iconic play will be staged twice, on April 4 and 5 (Friday and Saturday), at Macao Cultural Centre’s Grand Auditorium.
Conceived by the Avignon Festival, this tragicomedy is turned into a celebration of change through a very own theatrical language, punctuated by elegant costume design. Performed in French on a minimalist, yet striking set, the story revolves around Lyubov, an elusive and complex woman played by Huppert, who returns home when her family estate is about to be sold to pay off debts. Originally premiered in 1904, at the dawn of the capitalist globalization that would deeply transform the world, the play blends feelings of nostalgia and hope, portraying the way different social classes react to the ongoing changes in Russia. Chekhov masterfully dramatized a moment of transition, from an old feudal order into a new era.
Dubbed by many as the best actress in the world, Isabelle Huppert is known for her versatility, displayed through a wide range of characters, mostly women marked by tragedy or wrapped in mystery. Having worked with numerous illustrious theatre and movie directors, she has been distinguished with the most important acting accolades, from a Golden Globe to an honorary Golden Bear for her lifetime achievement. This time, Huppert is teaming up with Tiago Rodrigues, an internationally recognized director and playwright, currently leading the Avignon Festival, known for merging true stories with fiction, often in collaborations with artists from diverse realms. Weaving together the intimate and the communal, he is deeply influenced by the idea of writing with and for the actors. Strongly inspired by Chekhov throughout life, his version of the Russian master’s final masterpiece draws an analogy with our era, when changes seem too fast to keep up with, conveying the way societies deal with the prospect of a new world.
Premiered in 2021, this production will be staged at the Macao Cultural Centre on April 4 and 5. Tickets will be on sale at various prices and discounts, from 19 February (Wednesday) at the Enjoy Macao,Macao Ticketing, as well as the Damai and Maoyan platforms. For further information and promotional offers, visit the programme website at www.icm.gov.mo and www.ccm.gov.mo or dial (853) 2840 0555.
