Uncle Vanya Author:David Mamet, Anton Pavlovich Chekhov This structurally and psychologically compact drama takes place on an estate in 19th-century Russia, exploring the complex interrelationships between a retired professor, his second wife, and the daughter and brother-in-law from his first marriage. Interwoven themes of weakness, delusion, and despair—balanced by an underlying message of co... more »urage and hope—make this one of the most expressive of Chekhov’s works.« less