Renowned Russian Director Aleksey Burago Stages THREE SISTERS For First Annual New York Chekhov Festival!

The Russian Arts Theater and Studio (TRATS) kicks off its 2017/18 season with one of the greatest masterpieces of the 20th century: Anton Chekhov's Three Sisters. Presented as part of TRATS' first annual New York Chekhov Festival, renowned Russian director Aleksey Burago leads an esteemed ensemble featuring actors Reanna Armellino, Ella Ayberk, Hazen Cuyler, Michael Donaldson, James Fordyce, Toni Goldman, Ariel Polanco, Matt Raines, Jake Robertson, Flavio Romeo, David A. Russell, Jo Anne Seller and Di Zhu.

Taking place at the historic Balcony Theater, Three Sisters is a tragicomic story about the decay of a privileged family grappling with the changes of a modern world. Following the death of their army officer father, the Moscow-born and bred Prozorov siblings find themselves living in a remote provincial town, trapped inside the memories of their once glorious past. Only the proximity of a nearby artillery post and the company of its officers make their existence bearable. As they fumble for purpose admist the clutter of awkward suitors, clumsy birthday presents, absurd squabbles and raging house fires, only one desire remains undimmed: to return to Moscow!

Muscovite director Aleksey Burago has directed many of Chekhov's works to critical acclaim, including sold-out productions of Uncle Vanya, The Seagull, Lady With a Lapdog With Jokes and a Happy Ending, and My Uncle Chekhov.

"Inside the memoirs of Russian impressionist painter Korovin, Chekhov once said he wanted to create the same theater as the paintings on his friend's canvas. All his life, Chekhov was obsessed with the idea of creating a new theater--a theater that would reflect real life around him, bursting with flaws, contradictions, humor and light. This is what attracts me to Chekhov." says Burago.

Aleksey Burago is a former protege of the late Pyotr Fomenko and famous for his work in Russian stages and TV, including The Hermitage Theater and Aleksandrinka Theater (Beyond Recognition), Moscow TV (Queen of Spades), Youth Theater (The Emperor's New Clothes, Stoned), Interatelier Theater (Fandor and Liz), and The Baltic House Theater (Camille). Among his productions in New York are Ah, My Dear Andersen! (New York Time Out Critic's Pick), Wonder Bread (Winner of Best Show at the United Solo Fesitval) Uncle Vanya, My Uncle Chekhov, Avenue of Wonder and Crime and Punishment.

Performances for Three Sisters officially open on March 24th and will play until April 14th, 2017. Performances run weekly from Tuesdays to Saturdays at 8PM. Performances will take place at The Balcony Theater, located inside West Park Presbyterian Church. The venue is located at 165 W86th Street, New York, NY 10024.

Tickets are on live online at www.3sisters.eventbrite.com. In-person tickets can be purchased at the box office two hours before showtime at The Balcony Theater, depending on availability. Further information about the show can be found on www.russiantheater.org.