Ivo van Hove and Tom Lanoye will be joining forces for the first time in a large-scale project of Russian nature. Anton Chekhov's early works 'Ivanov' and 'Platonov' are ingeniously combined into one big story. A marathon performance by almost the whole Toneelgroep Amsterdam company. Although Chekhov's original works date from the late nineteenth century, today they are more relevant than ever. A vague apathy dominates the characters, a 'mal de vivre' that is full of boredom and morbid humour. Lanoye perfectly reveals the underlying, more raw contemporary political dimension. Never before have so many people been so rich and liberated as now. Nevertheless, the world is dominated by a climate of despondency and fear. Ivo van Hove brings the play to life like a kaleidoscopic whirlwind. Nineteen characters get in each other's way and seek and vent their frustrations. You will no doubt recognise more than a hint of our modern experience of life. And feel a sharp sense of discontentment while at the same time enjoying a good wallow. The modern melodrama is upon us!