ABSTRACT
This play, which was produced yesterday afternoon for a single performance by the Stage Society at the Duke of York's Theatre, was the first of Chekhov's long plays. It was written in less than a fortnight, and its first performance took place in Moscow after four rehearsals, of which only two were real rehearsals. The play, for which Chekhov himself never greatly cared, received what is technically called ‘a mixed reception’ Some persons hooted, while others cheered, and something like a free fight took place.
