About the Show

A fast-paced adaptation of Chekhov exploring depression, misunderstanding, and human connection.

Nikolai Ivanov, once admired and full of promise, finds himself overwhelmed by depression as those around him attempt to explain his unhappiness. Over the course of a year, conflicting assumptions, strained relationships, and missed connections expose the comic and tragic consequences of people failing to understand one another. This adaptation of Anton Chekhov's Ivanov presents the playwright's first major work in a contemporary, fast-moving form.

The production is adapted and directed by Laura Strausfeld, whose version remains faithful to Chekhov's original while emphasizing its pace and wit.

Presented by Initiative Productions, The Real Ivanov runs at The Lynn F. Angelson Theater in New York from 17 August to 19 September 2026. The creative team includes set and lighting designer Jiyoun Chang, costume designer Ella Matza, sound designer Brandon Bulls, and casting director Jack Doulin.

Critic Reviews (10)

"Director Strausfeld and a strong cast make this adaptation feel alive, dangerous, and ripe for discussion."
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"This is a play that should speak directly to me."
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"By the time the tragic denouement arrives, you may find yourself like the title character, feeling nothing at all."
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"Vigorous and engrossing production of Chekhov's first rarely staged play, faithful to the original except for no intermissions. "
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"Strausfeld's production has some brief, but strong visual moments and a few layered performances in supporting roles, but it did not unlock the play's power for me."
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There’s a clever moment when all the elements come together nicely...in Act Four, and Ivanov finally realizes what he has to do. The Real Ivanov needed a few more of those.
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"Visually, it's an interesting choice, and the imagery persuasively captures the play's shocking (but unsurprising) violent climax."
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Sam Underwood, wearing a perma-frown and furrowed brow whose lines are deep enough to sow crops, plays an Ivanov who's out of place in his society as well as in this muddled production. ★★☆☆☆
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