Location: Lyttelton Theatre, National Theatre

Date: 20th December 2020- 19th February 2020, (3h 15mins running time)

Price: £15-£75

Photo: "Three Sisters" at National Theatre

Last week we had the sheer pleasure of visiting the National Theatre for a showing of Three Sisters. Unsurprisingly for the National, the production completely turns the traditional Chekhov play on its head, relocating the story to the home of Lolo and her family in Biafra during the Nigerian civil war. An in-depth exploration of colonialism, conflict and independence, the drama is executed with an unwavering eye for detail. 

In particular, the aesthetic is stunning. The play showcases the state of the art stage with elegance as well as the work of its own production design team. Long wild grass, lighting in toasty amber hues and a fully built family home fit with interior design that would let for a few quid in London,  the set transports us to the village of Oweri with effortlessness. 

Inua Ellams, the writer, has stayed loyal to Chekhov’s style using rich dialogue to create intellectual discussion of themes such as purpose and poverty, ensuring that this is not just a play about a war.  The relationships between the characters are meticulously developed through brilliant acting and sophisticated direction, so much so that the audience could be heard loudly gasping as lives took various turns through the three hour spectacle.

The standing ovation which ended the evening was well-deserved and an indicator of the work that has been put into the production. With tickets still available, we hope you enjoy your evening in Oweri as much as we did!

#FLODown: The national offers discounted tickets for 16-25 year olds, American Express account holders and as part of their Friday Rush promotion. For their current listings visit the National Theatre website see here.

Location:

The National Theatre, South Bank, London, SE1 9PX

Nearest station:

Waterloo Station

Words by Lucy Firestone