Plot

New York actors rehearse Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya" in a dilapidated theatre.

An uniterrupted rehersal of Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya" played out by a company of actors. The setting is their run down theater with an unusable stage and crumbling ceiling. The play is shown act by act with the briefest of breaks to move props or for refreshments. The lack of costumes, real props and scenery is soon forgotten.—Rob Hartill

In New York, the cast of Anton Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya" rehearse the play in a dilapidated theater on the 42nd Street. The arrogant and selfish Professor Serybryakov is an elderly intellectual married with his gorgeous and younger second wife Yelena who feels trapped in a prison with her marriage. They live in a farm that supports their lifestyle with Professor Serybryakov's brother-in-law from the first marriage Vanya, who manages the family business with the Professor's daughter from his first marriage, Sonya, a plain single young woman and Vanya's mother. The local Dr. Astrov visits the family every day since he is in love with Yelena. One day, Sonya confides to Yelena that she has an unrequited love for Dr. Astrov. When Professor Serybryakov discloses his intention of selling the real estate, there is a crisis in the family.—Claudio Carvalho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil