Simek chose the Portland Experimental Theatre Ensemble to turn the script into a performance. The translation from Russian has been praised for its colloquial nature without being too idiomatic. Simek argues that hard-driving, aggressive language is the way to truly express the meaning of Chekhov’s text. It’s not even a luxury it’s more like some sort of an unnecessary add-on, like having a sixth finger. Simek’s translation (2014): MASHA: To know three languages in this shithole is an unnecessary luxury. We have a great deal of superfluous knowledge. It’s not even a luxury, but a sort of unnecessary addition, like a sixth finger. Gerlad Ledger’s translation (1998): MASHA: In this town to know three languages is an unnecessary luxury. Translation EvolutionĬonstance Garnett’s translation (1916): MASHA: In this town to know three languages is an unnecessary luxury! Not even a luxury, but an unnecessary encumbrance, like a sixth finger. Simek’s translation is harsher and more abrasive than previous translations, free of any kind of unnecessary language. A leading translator of Czech playwright and anti-Communist dissident Vaclav Havel, Simek set out to translate Chekhov’s iconic work into English. A Lewis & Clarke theater professor, Simek, who has also worked as a director in Switzerland, was awed by the intensity of “The Three Sisters” when he first heard a Russian recording of the play. Stepan Simek’s goal was to bring English translations of the text back to the basics. He is widely praised for the nuanced subtexts of his work, as well as his ability to convey deep meaning with pauses followed by sharp one-word replies. Chekhov’s use of language is remarkably stark in comparison to his contemporaries, such as Tolstoy and Dostoevsky.

Many criticize the translation accuracy of the work, arguing that the subtleties of Chekhov’s writing are buried underneath ornate and ostentatious language that is unnecessarily over the top. Though all four dream of escaping their tedious provincial existence, none of them do any kind of work to change their situation. A refined and erudite bunch originally from Moscow, they are unhappy and unfulfilled with life in a small provincial town. It narrates the lives and aspirations of the three sisters of the Prozorov family, Irina, Masha, and Olga, and their brother, Andrei. “The Three Sisters” depicts the decay of Russia’s bourgeoisie and explores the search for meaning in the modern world.

Written in 1900 and first performed in 1901 at the Moscow Art Theatre, the play has been translated into numerous languages across the world and is largely considered to be a theater classic. A new English language translation of Chekhov’s classic “The Three Sisters” recently debuted in Portland, Oregon, to much acclaim.

Chekhov three sisters