Uncle Vanya at Melbourne Theatre Company

by | Jun 30, 2026

Chekhov’s timeless tale – full of mordant wit, unrequited love and longing – finds new life in the hands of one of Australia’s most prolific playwrights, Joanna Murray-Smith (Julia) and Artistic Director Anne-Louise Sarks.

Experience Anton Chekhov’s masterful examination of the human condition, filled with humour, frustration and the fragile hope of change. Artistic Director Anne-Louise Sarks brings this tragicomedy to life featuring Daniel Henshall (Snowtown, The Babadook), Philippa Northeast (The Newsreader, The Family Next Door, My Brilliant Career), Fayssal Bazzi (Much Ado About Nothing), Catherine Văn-Davies (The Twelve), Shaun Micallef (Mad as Hell, Talkin’ ’Bout Your Generation), Carolyn Bock (POTUS, Dalliance), Don Bridges (Nautilus, The Twelve, Judy & Punch), and Evelyn Krape (Bloom, Yentl).

In a once-grand estate in rural Russia, a group of relatives and visitors grapple with the slow unravelling of everything. Uncle Vanya and his niece Sonya have spent years managing the property to support the work of an esteemed professor. When the professor arrives – accompanied by his beautiful, younger wife Yelena – their quiet routine is fractured. Vanya’s longing for Yelena only deepens his discontent, while Sonya silently endures a heartbreak of her own.

Following the runaway success of Season 2024’s Julia – the latest triumph in a remarkable career spanning decades – award-winning playwright Joanna Murray-Smith deftly reframes Chekhov’s satirical look at the intellectual class of the 19th century for today while ‘leaving the spirit… gloriously intact’ (Sydney Morning Herald).

July 21 – august 22

mtc.com.au

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