From June 25^th to 27^th, world-renowned theatre master Lev Dodin, joined by Maly Drama Theatre – Theatre of Europe from St. Petersburg, Russia, presented Chekhov’s timeless masterpiece Three Sisters at the NCPA. This production, as a centerpiece of the “In Beijing, Behold the World” section of the NCPA International Theatre Festival 2026, marks Dodin’s return to the Chinese stage after a nine-year absence – and his Beijing debut.


Widely recognized as one of the most influential theatre directors in the world today, Lev Dodin continues the artistic legacy of two giants of the twentieth-century theatre – Stanislavsky and Meyerhold – in a directorial approach he has forged through decades of practice across the globe. The actors of the Maly Drama Theatre – Theatre of Europe, under his leadership, have developed a remarkably unified artistic language over years of collaboration. Their collective artistry, in its expressiveness, versatility, and depth, surpasses the limits of individual brilliance, earning widespread acclaim on international tours: “The actors’ performances are extraordinarily rich: now bitingly angry in their diction, now steeped in melancholic love monologues. The whole production feels sharp and distilled, with the sheer power of the acting allowing audiences to hear, in the Russian intonations of Chekhov, that deep and complex sense of loss.”

 

Anton Chekhov’s four masterpieces – The Seagull, Three Sisters, Uncle Vanya, and The Cherry Orchard – form the core of Dodin’s creative output. For each work, he undertakes extensive, in-depth textual research and organizes rigorous literary and historical study sessions with his actors prior to rehearsals, grounding every performance in a profound understanding of human history and psychology. Dodin’s directorial vision resonates with the enduring questions posed by Chekhov. In this production of Three Sisters, delicacy and boldness coexist, unfolding a universe made up of multiple characters where their ideals collide painfully with reality and their own desires.

 

Dodin brings the rich tapestry of life from Chekhov’s dramas to the stage – romantic affairs and unwavering love, broken friendships and family loyalty, jealousy and self-sacrifice – each a precious gem in a dazzling mosaic. He invites the audience to spend three hours in this remarkable work, journeying alongside Chekhov’s characters and confronting their own existential questions. Critics have lavished praise on this production of Three Sisters: “Almost every major role is played with emotional intensity and meticulous precision. Chekhov’s characters are inherently full of contradictions, yet these Russian actors have a remarkable gift for making violent emotional shifts appear utterly natural and effortless.”

 

On the afternoon of June 24^th, Lev Dodin held a group media interview at the NCPA’s Press Room. He remarked: “This play is about every one of us. In every city, there are such ‘three sisters.’ It is a work about searching for oneself, for one’s calling in life, for a sense of belonging, and above all, a profoundly spiritual quest –a lifelong pursuit of meaning and joy in what we do. We hope to resonate with you, and also to understand what Anton Chekhov means to you today – what draws you to him, and what significance he still holds.”