Ten Most Wanted 2008: Uncle Vanya

Christopher Piatt, TimeOut Chicago

#4. Uncle Vanya by Tuta Theater at Chopin Theatre - " Was melancholy ever this pleasurable? Director Zeljko Djukic made hay out of heartbreak in this revelatory revival. Without removing Chekhov’s tale of regret and disappointment in the Russian provinces from its context, Djukic emphasized the timeless and placeless natures of those most human conditions. A terrific new translation by Yasen Peyankov and Peter Christensen helped, as did a warm, vibrant ensemble. Designer Martin Andrew, meanwhile, found yet another astounding way to look at the Chopin basement. The one thing you don’t have to regret is missing it: TUTA’s remounting Vanya in the spring".