December 2024

Literature classes worldwide study Anton Chekhov (1860-1904), a great innovator of the short story. He wrote closely observed and deeply empathic slices-of-life with a great sense of humor — but the Russian-Lit-class-version of Dr. Chekhov often overlooks the vitality of his work in the theater. Theater-people like me know him as a playwright, the creative counterpart to the acting teacher Konstantin Stanislavsky, who directed and starred in Chekhov’s breakthrough play, The Seagull. Together with the other artists of Moscow Art Theater, Chekhov and Stanislavsky pioneered a new style of ensemble performance, focusing on the whole society, rather than one “main character.”

It was another record setting year for the Community Thanksgiving Dinner served at Grace Community Church.