Theatre / Previews
‘Anna Karenina’ brings a heartbreaking tale of passion, truth and rebellion to Bristol Old Vic
Bristol Old Vic’s summer blockbuster for 2023 is a world premiere of Tolstoy’s 19th century classic, Anna Karenina, adapted for the stage by writer, Lesley Hart, and directed by Polina Kalinina.
The show brings the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh and Bristol Old Vic back together as co-producers, following the huge West End and on-demand success of Touching the Void.
Canonized throughout the world, Tolstoy’s tragic novel of love, family relationships, marriage and betrayal in Imperialist Russia was over 800 pages long.
is needed now More than ever
Full company in Anna Karenina – photo: Robbie McFadzean
Reimagining the narrative for the stage is an ambitious task, for which Hart and Kalinina needed to find what for them, was the true heart of the story.
“It’s a big job claiming such a mighty story for your own,” admits Hart. “It’s been daunting but utterly exhilarating to bring my own voice as a playwright to Anna Karenina, and in the process, hopefully untap the kind of raw energy, gutsiness and grit that can sometimes get lost in translation.”
Lindsey Campbell (Anna), Robert Akodoto (Vronsky) – photo: Robbie McFadzean
Anna Karenina (Lindsey Campbell) crosses the country by train to help save her brother’s marriage, after his affair is disclosed.
At the station, she crosses paths with the dazzling cavalry officer, Count Vronsky (Robert Akodoto), and as they fall for one another, her life as she knows it begins to unravel.
Love robs you of your sanity
mauls your heart
will probably kill you
But without love
there is no point in living.
Stephen McCole (Karenin) and Lindsey Campbell (Anna Karenina) – photo: Robbie McFadzean
“For us,” reflects Kalinina, “Anna’s story is about passion, truth, and rebellion. She joins countless other women in history who are punished for not adhering to the rigid roles created for them by the patriarchy.
“Lesley and I love her because of how hard she tries to live truthfully. She isn’t perfect, she is often a bit of a hot mess express, but that just makes her more gloriously human.”
Anna Karenina is at Bristol Old Vic on June 7-24 at 7.30pm, with additional 2.30pm matinee shows on Thursday and Saturday (no shows on Sunday). Tickets are available at www.bristololdvic.org.uk.
Main photo: Robbie McFadzean
Read more: Wuthering Heights, Bristol Old Vic
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