The Chekhov Collective Presents FROM A DISTANCE
They recorded it on Zoom, each in their separate homes, each scene improvised. Stewart Arnott and Susan Coyne play Neil and Brenda.
By: Chloe Rabinowitz Mar. 02, 2021
As theatres remain closed and The Chekhov Collective is not able to offer a production this year, they thought it would be fun to create a small project for viewers at home!
From A Distance is 10 brief scenes exploring a marriage, and how a couple grapples with different ways of responding to the pandemic.They kept it simple. They recorded it on Zoom, each in their separate homes, each scene improvised. Stewart Arnott and Susan Coyne play Neil and Brenda.
It was challenging to create something on Zoom. A year ago no one had heard of Zoom, and now for many of us it is our workplace or lifeline. They tried to embrace its gifts, its limitations, and its reliance on unpredictable wifi. It was another lesson in acceptance and surrender.
It was also scary and challenging to give themselves the task of exploring this relationship and story through improvisation. Stewart and Susan rose to the challenge even when they weren't sure where they were going. They had to trust that they would find their way.
They hope From A Distance captures a moment in this historic time, and on a medium that will forever be associated with this pandemic.
NICE THINGS PEOPLE HAVE SAID …
It’s a new kind of theatre of reality… beautiful, heartfelt performances … it was so real you felt you were eavesdropping on an ordinary married couple… congratulations on taking Zoom to such a creative level… It left me wanting more… beautifully done and very well conceived… a little painful at times as one recognizes a few similarities … the closed door in one household is a rich and evocative metaphor… such honest work; I was drawn in time and again … surprising, moving, frustrating, believable … moving, poignant, unbearable, understandable … From a Distance, is one of the best zoom shows I’ve seen in a year … I couldn’t take my eyes away from it and was utterly engaged in the story … Images, moments and feelings will sit with me for a long time … A tender and so human piece.
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