Heidi Schreck's Translation of Chekhov's UNCLE VANYA Acquired by Concord Theatricals

Concord Theatricals has secured exclusive worldwide English language stage licensing rights to Heidi Schreck’s translation and adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya for its Samuel French imprint. 
 
“I’m thrilled to be teaming up again with Concord Theatricals, my publishing home for almost two decades,” said Schreck. “Living with Uncle Vanya and Anton Chekhov right now—in particular with the profoundly resilient character of Sonya—has given me more compassion for our poor confused species. I'm indebted to my brilliant colleague Tatyana Khaikin for helping me parse the nuances of Chekhov's language in an attempt to create a translation that feels contemporary and alive." 
 
“Heidi’s haunting translation and adaptation of Chekhov’s classic feels contemporary in its raw humanity, heart, and humor,” said Amy Rose Marsh, Senior Vice President, Acquisitions and Artistic Development (Worldwide) at Concord Theatricals. “We are thrilled to be continuing our relationship with her brilliant writing, following the artistic and commercial success of Grand Concourse and What the Constitution Means to Me.”
 
First published in Russian in 1897, Uncle Vanya is a timeless tragedy that remains strikingly resonant with audiences today. Schreck, having lived in Russia and studied the language in college, translated the play herself, delivering a version that both stays true to Chekhov, yet lives within a contemporary context.
 
Humorous and devastating, the play centers around Sonia and her uncle Vanya, who have spent their lives managing the family farm in isolation. Their lives are upended when her father, a celebrated academic, and his charismatic wife arrive. In the heat of the summer, the wrong people fall in love, aspirations and desires erupt, and the family is forced to reckon with their own disappointment and resentment. Schreck’s translation and adaptation is remarkably immediate and pairs Chekhov's enduring masterpiece with one of America's most celebrated contemporary playwrights.
 
The premiere of Schreck’s translation and adaptation opened at Lincoln Center Theater’s Vivian Beaumont Theater on Broadway on April 24, 2024 for a limited run through June 16. The Broadway production was directed by Lila Neugebauer, and starred celebrated actors Steve Carrell, Alison Pill, Alfred Molina, Anika Noni Rose, and William Jackson Harper. See photos HERE!

Uncle Vanya marks Schreck’s second visit to Broadway, after her Tony Award nominated play, What the Constitution Means to Me, which she wrote and starred in, opened on March 31, 2019. Represented by Concord Theatricals, The New York Times reported that the title was the most produced play at professional theatres in the U.S. in 2023. Additional Schreck titles that Concord Theatricals represents include Grand Concourse, Creature, and The Consultant.