Director Sam Yates discusses Andrew Scott's remarkable solo performance in 'Vanya'
Hitting the Stage with a Bang:
Vanya, the mesmerizing single-actor performance by the fabulous Andrew Scott, has arrived at the Lucille Lortel Theatre following a remarkable West End run. Directed by Sam Yates and adapted by Simon Stephens, this fresh reinterpretation of Chekhov's classic unearths emotional depths and uncovers hidden truths in the play.
Yates explained an experimental and open-minded development approach. "Andrew and I agreed to give it a shot," he confessed to Forbes. "We felt like we were creating something new for us, so there was a lot of testing going on." Before rehearsals even began, the team spent a year brainstorming, testing ideas, and refining the approach. "These early meetings included Simon and Rosanna [Vize, the show's scenic designer], and everyone's ideas were engaged in the work from the start," Yates shared.
The show makes full use of Scott's considerable versatility. "With a solo performer, there grows a very intimate relationship between the audience and Andrew," Yates said. "They're watching a single face, which allows for incredibly detailed character work." He also stressed the emotional intensity arising from this format: "Chekhov has written characters that stand the test of time. They're all searching for companionship. So, this format felt powerful in bringing us closer to each character's core."
Vize designed an unadorned space, illuminated by James Farncombe's lights, granting Scott the freedom to dip into various roles effortlessly. "There's a raw honesty to Rosanna's design," Yates says. "We wanted everything out in the open—the real magic comes from Andrew's performance." He also lauded the design's versatility: "The setup allowed this to happen. It can accommodate a variety of moods, aided by lighting designer James Farncombe's stunning lighting design."
One significant difference in Stephens' text is the presence of Vanya's sister Anna, who is absent in Chekhov's original but carries a profound impact in this version. In fact, her haunting presence looms over the production. "Her death was a significant event in these characters' lives," Yates said. "Chekhov mentions Anna's death in the play's opening lines, and we wanted to shine a light on it." Yates drew parallels to his earlier work: "I'd directed a production called Incantata based on a poem by Paul Muldoon. That production revolved around a man trying to achieve catharsis through creation, seeking to overcome grief through artistic expression. I was drawn to that aspect of the play."
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Meanwhile, Yates still marvels at his lead actor's talent: "Andrew's imagination is boundless, his technique is flawless, and his soul is deep," Yates said. "When he takes the stage, you know he's stepping into a truly honest imaginative realm for a while. He's astute, sensitive, and tough—all the qualities you need for forging such an experience." Yates concluded, "He's relentless in his pursuit of greatness while still being so free and fun."
The reimagining of Chekhov's classic play, Vanya, by Simon Stephens and directed by Sam Yates, features a solo performance by Andrew Scott at the Lucille Lortel Theatre. This fresh interpretation includes the inclusion of Vanya's sister Anna, whose haunting presence significantly impacts the production. Yates, inspired by his earlier work, aims to shine a light on Anna's death and explores the theme of artistic expression as a means of overcoming grief. Andrew Scott's versatility is showcased in an unadorned space designed by Rosanna Vize, allowing for intense character work and a raw, honest performance.
