The Forest: History

Alexander Ostrovsky (1823-1886), considered by many to be the father of Russian drama, created vividly real and sardonically funny accounts of Russian life and, in so doing, paved the way for Chekhov and others.

In this tragi-comedy, adapted by Alan Ayckbourn, Gennady, an impoverished actor and romantic innocent, arrives at the country estate of his aunt, pretending to be rich and hoping for peace and comfort. Instead, he finds himself caught up in a network of intrigue where forbidden love, spying, treachery, lust, rapacious greed and financial double-dealings are rife.

Alan Ayckbourn’s adaptation of
The Forest was premiered by the National Theatre in 1999. The Forest was published by Faber and is available for production.

Article by Simon Murgatroyd. Copyright: Haydonning Ltd. Please do not reproduce without permission of the copyright holder.