Fathers and Sons at The Donmar

When a story by a famous Russian is adapted into a play by a famous Irishman one would hope that the outcome is well worth seeing.  When the people in question are Turgenev and Friel that hope is fulfilled and can be currently viewed at The Donmar.  Fathers and Sons, the novel, written by Turgenev in 1862 centres around the nihilist Bazarov and his impressionable friend Arkady who also supports this new philosophy.  The two friends’ beliefs are in sharp contrast to the senior members of their families and thus cause disruption when they all come together.

The play opens with the two friends visiting Arkady’s father, Nikolai, who, it transpires, loves and has sired a son by the housemaid Fenichka.  The rather inept Nikolai is thrilled to see his recently graduated son but this is not a cosy homecoming.  Bazarov manages to unsettle the whole household with his radical views and rather hostile manner.  And Arkady’s uncle Pavel bitterly despises him.  The younger generation however are not so negative in their thoughts, with the plump maid, Dunyasha, reduced to a quivering wreck when in his company.  When the young men then visit Bazarov’s humble parents, we quickly discover how contemptible he is of their values and seemingly embarrassed by their self-evident adoration of him.  Like Turgenev, we’re not sure whether to love or hate Bazarov and it is only when, despite his hatred of love and any display of affection, he quickly succumbs to the charms of the young, wealthy widow, Anna, that we see any hint of warmth in his character.

Although one might argue that not much happens (shades of Chekhov here) during Fathers and Sons, emotions are running riot under the surface and the cast manage to capture this superbly well.  There is also a rich seam of comedy flowing throughout the two and a half hours, mostly supplied by the excellent Tim McMullan as the foppish uncle and Susan Engel as the dotty Princess Olga.  Alongside the humour are periods of painful sadness.  Karl Johnson as Vassily, Bazarov’s father is particularly affecting.  Every one of his lines hit the spot and the lyricism of the writing is oh so safe in his capable hands. There actually isn’t a weak link with any of the cast, but Joshua James as Arkady and Anthony Calf as his father stand out.  Joshua is able to combine Arkady’s youthful idealism with a mature sensitivity and we believe every word he utters.  Anthony Calf, on the other hand, is amusing and utterly convincing as the benevolent ditherer.  The American actor Seth Numrich plays Bazarov, with no trace of an American accent and whilst suitably arrogant and insensitive is not quite as believable as his fellow actors.  Mind you his floppy hair does deserve a particular mention.

Nothing in this ensemble production is forced, thanks in no small measure to Lyndsey Turner’s brilliant direction.  Rob Howell’s clever design and James Farncombe’s superb lighting also help to enhance her work.

If tickets are still available, this production is well worth seeing.