From August 16 to 18, the world premiere of The Cherry Orchard, directed by the late Lithuanian theater master Rimas Tuminas and starring dancer Jin Xing, was held at the Shanghai Culture Square. This production pays tribute to the great Russian playwright Anton Chekhov on the 120th anniversary of his death, as well as to the late director Tuminas and composer Faustas Latėnas.
On the night of the premiere, Rimas Tuminas' daughter, Gabriele Tuminaite, and his wife, Inga Tuminenė, who served as the production's executive director and acting coach, respectively, joined the lead cast, including Jin Xing, on stage for the curtain call. They were accompanied by Adomas Jacovskis, the set designer and one of Tuminas' closest artistic collaborators, along with the entire creative team. The performance was met with prolonged and enthusiastic applause from the audience.
As the moving music begins and the curtain rises, the audience is greeted by a stage featuring a massive gray wall, precariously leaning beams, a few worn-out chairs, and a pile of suitcases. The set of The Cherry Orchard is both minimalist and sophisticated, yet rich in symbolism, instantly immersing the audience in a world full of poetry and imagination. The collaboration of the "Three Musketeers"—director Rimas Tuminas, composer Faustas Latėnas, and set designer Adomas Jacovskis—imbues the entire production with an aesthetic of "fantastic realism." However, the realization that two of these artists have passed away and were unable to witness the staging of this work, infused with their creative brilliance, brings a sense of sorrow. This blend of beauty and melancholy mirrors the profound themes of The Cherry Orchard, allowing the audience to reflect on the fate of individuals amidst the laughter and tears evoked by the sweeping changes of the times.
This production of The Cherry Orchard is also uniquely tailored for Jin Xing, setting it apart from other versions. Rimas Tuminas, known as the director who understands Chekhov best, had already staged this final masterpiece of Chekhov's three times since 1990. However, after sensing Jin Xing's distinctive aura, Tuminas invited her to "embark on an adventure" with him. Together, they restructured the original four-act play into two halves and reinterpreted the character of Lyuba Ranevskaya. In the original play, Lyuba learns that the cherry orchard has been sold but delays her departure for a month. However, after getting to know Jin Xing's personality, Tuminas remarked, "If it were you, you would definitely leave on the same day—wouldn't stay an extra minute!" Thus, in this version of The Cherry Orchard, upon hearing that the orchard has been sold, Lyuba, despite her deep reluctance, immediately departs with a heavy heart, significantly accelerating the pace of the narrative.
Jin Xing infused new vitality into the character with her unique stage presence. The actors from Jin Xing's Mars Theater, who already possess considerable physical expression abilities, were further refined under Tuminas' meticulous direction. This resulted in a performance style that blends elements of comedy and romanticism, bringing each character to life with vividness and vibrancy.
The successful staging of The Cherry Orchard has been met with unanimous appreciation, with many viewing it as Tuminas' final and finest gift to the world. There is a shared hope to bring this remarkable production to a wider audience, allowing more people to experience and cherish this poignant and masterful work.
Translator: BAI Jing
Reviewer: DING Zhizhong
