Bethencourt Productions presents Zoom Room Chekhov. The Anniversary and The Proposal, two one act comedies by Anton Chekhov performed by actors live from their rooms, in the spirit of vaudeville and cabaret. Chekhov’s loveable, human & imperfect characters struggle to communicate with each other. Actors with fire in their bellies, who in real life are confined to their homes by the Covid 19 global pandemic, are on a virtual stage to express their love of theatre and to reconnect with their audiences worldwide.

Chekhov speaks to today’s audiences more than ever in this innovative production adapted and directed playfully for Zoom by Rayla Tadjimatova. Embracing the limitations of Zoom and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in online theatre, The Anniversary and The Proposal are a breath of fresh air. Sensitively attuned to the times we live in with a light and human touch, the stage becomes once more tridimensional.

The Anniversary opens with great excitement as the bank manager prepares every detail of the bank's 15th year celebrations. The shareholders are expected and the book-keeper works tirelessly on the annual report. Nothing can go wrong… until in Chekhov's unique, incongruous and melodramatic way, chaos ensues when the bank manager's shallow young wife arrives, and a woman in a shawl won't take no for an answer.

In The Proposal, a wealthy, stammering, hypochondriac suitor arrives at a landowner's home, to ask for his daughter's hand in marriage. Trivial rivalry over the proximity of their woods and meadows, absurd neighbourhood gossip and odd heart palpitations get in the way of the original purpose of his visit.

Actors Dave Carr, Norette Leahy, Mark Loughran, Michael Mullen, Maureen O'Connell & Rhea Rose Rodillas perform by Zoom live from their rooms, with the props, costumes and makeup within their reach and insurmountable amounts of ‘locked in’ talent. With music by Josh Johnston and David MacKenzie.

The dates of the performances are: March 4th, 5th, 6th, 11th, 12th & 13th at 7.30pm. With two matinees on March 6th & 13th at 3pm. A range of ticket prices from €0 to €50 are available for purchase on Eventbrite, to suit all pockets. The audience chooses how much they wish to pay. This is an online event. Once you purchase your ticket on Eventbrite, you will receive confirmation of your reservation and a zoom link to the show.