“a love story that began as a vacation flirtation…” “The Lady with the Little Dog” Anton Pavlovich Chekhov
Reading and music
Max Simonischek – Text
Jovana Raljic – violin
Max Simonischek reads from one of Anton Chekhov’s most famous stories: “The Lady with the Little Dog” – written in 1899, Chekhov sketches in it, with his typically simple and timeless modernity, how the experience of real love can transform his two protagonists without judging them.
Max Simonischek – Words
Here is a brief summary of Chekhov: “The Lady with the Little Dog”
The ageing banker Gurow, who is tired of his marriage, meets the young, adventurous Anna, who wants to escape the boring provincial routine, during a stay at a health resort. In the decadent summer atmosphere of Yalta, Gurov begins an affair with her – just one of many, as he believes. But back in Moscow, he can no longer forget Anna and they meet again. What began as a harmless vacation flirtation develops into a serious love affair. In his story, published in 1899, Chekhov shows himself to be at the height of his powers: concisely, laconically and with almost scientific sobriety, he sketches the relationship between two very ordinary people with all their weaknesses. He shows how they are transformed by the experience of real love and are freed from the banality of their existence. You don’t need to know that the notorious bachelor and womanizer Chekhov experienced great love himself at the end of his life with the actress Olga Knipper to understand the profound truth of this story. With its simple, timeless modernity, it speaks for itself.
Jovana Raljic – violin
The internationally active concert violinist enchants audiences with her musicality and expressiveness. In addition to her work as a soloist and concertmaster, she is an enthusiastic chamber musician who combines all kinds of instrumental combinations in various musical styles.
The perfect matinee to be enchanted and surprised at the same time!
Max Simonischek:
The successful and award-winning actor Max Simonischek studied acting at the Mozarteum in Salzburg. For his theater work at the Burgtheater, he received the Nestroy Theater Prize, among others. He also became known for his role as Commissioner Laim in the ZDF thriller series of the same name. Last summer, he played Michael Kohlhaas in Heinrich von Kleist’s play at the Bregenz Festival. Max Simonischek has been a regular at the Deutsches Theater Berlin since the 2021/2022 season. The actor is currently filming another episode of Kommissar Laim in Munich.
Jovana Raljic:
Born in Banjaluka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, at the age of 18, she found her artistic home in the “center of classical music” – Vienna, Austria. She is praised for her versatility, imagination, depth and dedication in her approach to music and her musical interpretations. She wholeheartedly explores a variety of musical languages, styles, genres and ideas to bring the art of music to a wider audience and make it accessible to everyone.
Copyright photo Max Simonischek: Fabian Schellhorn
Copyright photo Jovana Raljic: Damian Posse
