Читать книгу Harvey Wallbangers and Tam O'Shanters - Martin Hannan - Страница 20

Anton Chekhov’s very Russian convolutions have graced the stage since the plays were written, mostly in the 1890s, following his period as a short-story writer. ‘Chekhovian’ describes work that resembles that of Chekhov (1860–1904), perhaps set in that period, with ensemble playing and usually full of Russian gloom.

‘Chekhov’s Gun’ is also something invented by the writer. To paraphrase him, ‘If you show the audience a gun in the first Act, it must be fired in Act Three.’ It’s now accepted as a staple of theatre, even if Chekhov doesn’t always get the credit.