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The UA Russian Drama Troupe


a farce in one act
Юбилей
by Anton Chekhov
Performed by the UA Russian Drama Troupe
Directed by Roza Simkhovich


The Anniversary
Юбилей
by Anton Chekhov
Directed by Roza Simkhovich


The University of Arizona Russian Drama Troupe
(in order of appearance)


Khirin, Kuzma Nikolaich, an old bank employee
played by Colin Laisure-Pool

Shipuchin, Andrei, Andreich, Chairman of the Board
played by John Pendergast

Tatyana Alekseevna, his lovely wife
played by Victoria Dearman

Merchutkina, Nastasya Fedorovna, an old woman
played by Amber Mitchell

The play opens in the office of the Chairman of the Board of the Bank of N----. Khirin begins the play by complaining about being overworked and under-acknowledged. He is working on a report for presentation by Shipuchin to a deputation from the Board of shareholders.

Shipuchin enters, thanking an unseen congregation of office employees for their presentation to him of an album. Shipuchin and Khirin discuss the report, the bank, the anniversary, and women. This is the first of a series of interruptions that prohibit Khirin from completing his report.

Enter Tatyana—the second such interruption. She has just returned from a trip to her mother’s. She tries to interest her husband and his employee in her exploits, but they are merely annoyed by her chatter.

Enter Merchutkina—the third interruption. Merchutkina has come to the bank in search of a retribution of unpaid salary to her sickly husband. Unfortunately, the Bank of N-- is not the appropriate place to turn. Her pleas annoy Khirin and Shipuchin, and Tatyana continually attempts to complete her narration.

After Shipuchin exits with Tatyana in disgust, Khirin unsuccessfully attempts to convince Merchutkina that she is in the wrong place. Tatyana and Shipuchin re-enter, Shipuchin gives in to Merchutkina’s request for money. As Tatyana completes her whirlwind narration, Merchutkina makes an additional request that her husband be re-hired. The play concludes in the midst of total chaos in the bank, with Shipuchin realizing that his brilliant career is in ruins.