Fathers And Sons

Lyndsey Turner returns to the Donmar Warehouse

Fathers And Sons is a powerful study of two generations and the beliefs that unite and divide them. The production, which is the final in the Donmar's season, is directed by Lyndsey Turner (Chimerica, Posh) who makes her welcome return to the Donmar for this production. Based upon the novel by Ivan Turgenev, Fathers And Sons follows two young graduates over the course of a summer as their new political ideas come to a head with that of their parent's generation.

Fathers And Sons was adapted for the stage by Irish playwright Brian Friel, who has been hailed as being an "Irish Chekhov" by critics and praised for his sensitive treatment of Turgenev's Russian masterpiece, keeping true to the timeless nature of the story. Friel has written over 30 plays in his time as a playwright, including the Tony-winning Dancing with Lughnasa. He completed Fathers And Sons in 1987.

What is Fathers And Sons about?

Two young friends - Arkady and Bazarov - visit Arkady's parent's country home for the Summer where Bazarov's controversial - and almost anarchic - political views soon start to clash with that of his hosts'. As a charismatic University student with more passion and fire than actual life experience, Bazarov is eager to share his dismissive views on things he considers to be unnecessary, including romance and art. This of course doesn't sit very well with Arkady's parents, especially since Arkady himself sides with his friend's more radical beliefs.

However, when a beautiful woman joins them, her presence threatens not only the group's (albeit already shakey) dynamic but also Bazarov's ideals - and conversely his friendship with Arkady.