Quiet Desperation

Sad Lives Dimsdale as the thwarted Doctor Astrov

Who was it that said we all live our lives in quiet desperation ?
It was someone famous I am sure.....someone here will no doubt let me know the answer.
With the Prof away working all week, Me and a friend went to see Theatre Clwyd's production of Uncle Vanya last night.
It's been an absolute age since I've seen any Chekhov and last night's production did not disappoint even though the subject matter was rather melancholy.
Uncle Vanya portrays a dysfunctional family living a desperate life on a decaying country estate. Bitter, resentful and disappointed with lives not lived, the family bicker and spar as their hopes for a better life ebb and flow away.
Last night's production was set in the studio theatre, which means that the audience up front and personal  with the performers, so it was easy to see the quality of the acting on show. Rosie Sheehy as the tragic but valliant Sonya and Oliver Dimsdale as doctor Astrov being standouts in an excellent cast.


41 comments:

  1. Thoreau, from "Walden": "The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation."

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    2. Women too. I remember elderly women around in my childhood who seemed to be just counting the days. They had lost their husbands or never married due to WWI, and had little purpose. Of course, many are desperate today from other reasons as well. Sad.

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    3. Jesus, veg artist, that is SO sad. I want to weep for those women.

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  2. Henry Thoreau was responsible for the quiet desperation phrase, noting that many die with their song unsung. Which is at least as melancholy as Chekhov.

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  3. I've never been able to 'get' Chekhov, unable to comprehend why he's generally considered as being among the highest deserving 'greats'. Always preferred Ibsen by some considerable distance. Sounds like this production you saw just might have clicked Anton for me, the click I've been awaiting for decades.

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    1. It was on a par with anything I have seen in the west end

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    2. Highest possible praise indeed. Now I really do wish for the chance to see it.

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  4. It's interesting that "Quiet Desperation" comes after "Cheating"
    I have known women who cheat as a result of their quiet desperation

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  5. I love Chekhov. His characters often seem crushed by the vastness of Russia and by their own imperfections. Melancholy is the typical flavour but there is also subtle humour and affection.

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  6. A bit about Thoreau
    https://notesfromasuffolksmallhoding.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/

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    1. I liked the marrow comment

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    2. "I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life..."

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  7. Chekhov is definitely all about desperation, though not always quiet! I see others beat me to it on Thoreau.

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  8. If I ever see anything by Chekov you can guarantee I will come out ofthe theatre more miserable than when I went in John. But I do love your crits of the plays/films you see.

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  9. Anonymous9:46 am

    It's not a play I have seen, although I am aware of it. I rather like the synopsis.

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  10. I dont like sitting too near the actors.

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    1. I don't if you are too close or it is a bad play. I sat on the front row of WINGS with Juliet Stevenson at the young vic and I am sure she could see the audiences' boredom

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  11. I would feel most melancholy if I had to see this play. I love your reviews of movies and now this play xx

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  12. Quiet desparation.......
    and a life not lived........

    Bloody hell, I need to cheer thefuck up.

    Rick Grimes - yummers. Also, have you watched 'The Leftovers' John? It's got your name all over it (American tv has discovered the C word!!)

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    1. I couldn't get into " leftovers" .....only a couple of weeks until walking dead returns! Bliss

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    2. I've just got to ....Sophie....
      Noooooo
      I agree about Leftovers I did give up, although J Theroux is very beautiful so, y'know

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  13. Nothing to do with your post but has Tom Stephenson disappeared? ;)

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    1. Disappeared ? No he's blogging. I'm just not following him

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    2. Thanks for replying.

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    3. Do you need a link to his blog?

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    4. I found it. Thank you. X
      I love your take on life,John. You are a breath of fresh air.

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    5. I agree, John is a definite often needed Breath of Fresh Air.

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  14. I enjoy Chekhov, the master of the short story. Yes, the plays are melancholy in parts but isn't that the point of drama, unless of course it's comedy.

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    1. Uncle Vanya has comic moments, this version played these down a little me thinks

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  15. Do you have a newspaper where you can publish that review. :)

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  16. Thoreau said that twice.

    “Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them."

    and "The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation."

    The first one is especially dreary.

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  17. I like this quote from Woody Allen: "Life is full of misery, loneliness, and suffering---and it's all over much too soon."

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    1. He also said " bisexuality is great! It doubles the chance of a date on a Saturday night"

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    2. And this one: "I'm such a good lover because I practice a lot on my own."

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  18. From Chekhov to Thoreau in one blog post. You're getting quite highbrow, John.

    But I miss the animals of the Ukrainian Village....

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  19. I wouldn't choose a melancholy work (play, movie or book, it doesn't matter) because I don't go looking to feel depressed, but the ones I've stumbled into have been riveting and I'm glad to have seen or read them. Contradictory feelings!

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  20. Hanging on in quiet desperation is the English way ... Pink Floyd - Time

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