This Student Edition of Chekhov's last and most elusive play, a study of the effect of social change on the values of individuals, includes notes on the life and career of the playwright, an introduction giving the background to the play and a guide to its interpretation.

'Frayn's translation, which strikes me as splendidly lucid and alive . . . will be acted again and again' New Statesman

In Chekhov's tragi-comedy - perhaps his most popular play - the Gayev family is torn by powerful forces deeply rooted in history and the society in which they live. Their estate is hopelessly in debt: urged to cut down their beautiful cherry orchard and sell the land for holiday cottages, they struggle to act decisively.

Originally published to coincide with Peter Hall's National Theatre production in 1978, this edition features the revised translation staged by Sam Mendes at the Aldwych Theatre, London, in 1989, starring Judi Dench and Ronald Pickup.

Commentary and notes by Nick Worrall