Swan Song

Written by Anton Chekhov

Narrated by LibriVox Community

In 'The Swan Song' an aging actor reminisces about his life and the parts he's played. The piece takes a tragic look at ambition and the sacrifices that must be made in order to succeed. Chekhov’s ability to capture and explore human nature and experience is showcased here. (Summary by Lucy Perry)

Cast:
VASILI SVIETLOVIDOFF, a comedian, 68 years old - Peter Yearsley
NIKITA IVANITCH, a prompter, an old man - Phillippa
Narrated by Lucy Perry

Audio edited by Peter Yearsley

• Language: English
• Publisher: LibriVox
• Release date: Aug 25, 2014

Anton Chekhov

Anton Chekhov was born in 1860 in Southern Russia and moved to Moscow to study medicine. Whilst at university he sold short stories and sketches to magazines to raise money to support his family. His success and acclaim grew as both a writer of fiction and of plays whilst he continued to practice medicine. Ill health forced him to move from his country estate near Moscow to Yalta where he wrote some of his most famous work, and it was there that he married actress Olga Knipper. He died from tuberculosis in 1904.