Ivanov

Matt and I saw a play last weekend called Ivanov by Anton Chekhov, the Russian writer. It was at the Donmar Theatre in Leicester Square, and it starred Kenneth Branagh, the lady in the wheelchair from Notting Hill, Mary Bennet from the BBC Pride and Prejudice miniseries, and a bunch of other people.

The website describes the story thusly:

"Once a man of limitless promise, Ivanov is plunged into debt.

His marriage is in crisis, and his evenings are spent negotiating loans, avoiding love affairs and fighting to resist the small town jealousies and intrigues which threaten to engulf his life.

Kenneth Branagh plays the title role in Chekhov’s explosive portrait of a man plagued with self-doubt and despair which vividly captures the electrifying atmosphere of Russia on the brink of change."

It was really, really good. We had never heard anything about the story before, but caught on quickly and really enjoyed the suspense and excitement. It's a really good story. I didn't really like any of the characters (more like I liked to dislike them) but Matt didn't feel that way.

It was a nice way to spend a Saturday night for once, instead of staying home and watching a movie or working!

We always say we're going to get more 'culture' since we live in London. Now that I'm interning 3 days a week, I'm going to get a part-time job the other two days, so we can do more. It would be nice to get theatre tickets, a gym membership, and to save up for future trips. We are in a saving economic climate right now and I'm sure the bank would appreciate our extra deposits!