Tragedy and humor found an inch apart
As a drama director, Stan Lai is a firm believer in original creation.
He sees himself as an apprentice and loyal fan of William Shakespeare. But he is unwilling to stage any of the Bard's works. Instead, on the few occasions he has adapted another person's work, he has always turned to Anton Chekhov. Now, in addition to a retelling of the Russian playwright's classic The Seagull, he also plans to take on I Take Your Hand in Mine.
Written by New York University teacher, playwright and Chekhov expert Carol Rocamora, Hand is a look at the relationship between Chekhov and his actress wife Olga Knipper. During their brief marriage, the couple lived mostly apart, as Olga spent most of her time touring the country performing and Chekhov was forced to stay at home to write.
