This volume explores the world of Anton Chekhov and the creation, performance and interpretation of his works. The Companion also offers insights on acting Chekhov, by Ian McKellen, and directing Chekhov, by Trevor Nunn and Leonid Heifetz, and essays on Chekhov as writer, Chekhov and women, and the Chekhov comedies.

List of illustrations; Acknowledgements; Notes on contributors; Chekhov: a chronology Paul Allain; Editorial notes: transliteration and titles, calendar dates; Part I. Chekhov in Context: 1. Dr Chekhov: a biographical essay Alexander Chudakov; 2. Chekhov and his Russia Emma Polotskaya; 3. Chekhov and the Moscow Art Theatre Anatoly Smeliansky; Part II. Chekhov in Production: 4. From Platonov to Piano Edward Braun; 5. Chekhov's one-act plays and the full-length plays Vera Gottlieb; 6. Ivanov: the invention of a negative dramaturgy Patrice Pavis; 7. The Seagull: an adaptation Thomas Kilroy; 8. Notes from a director: Leonid Heifetz on Uncle Vanya Leonid Heifetz; 9. Notes from a director: Trevor Nunn on Three Sisters Trevor Nunn; 10. The Cherry Orchard Edward Braun; 11. Acting Chekhov: 'A Friend to the Actor' Ian McKellen; 12. The scenography of Chekhov Arnold Aronson; 13. Chekhov on screen Philip French; 14. Chekhov on the Russian stage Tatiana Shakh-Azizova; 15. Directors' Chekhov Laurence Senelick; Selected glossary Laurence Senelick; Part III. Chekhov the Writer: 16. Chekhov's stories and the plays Donald Rayfield; 17. The stage representation of Chekhov's women Cynthia Marsh; 18. Chekhov's comedy Vera Gottlieb; Appendix A. Chekhov's works: primary sources from the Russian: variations of English titles; Appendix B. Select stage productions; Appendix C. Select screen versions; Select bibliography; Index.