The Lower Depths
Scenes From Russian Life by Maxim Gorky in a new version by Phil Willmott
Scenes From Russian Life by Maxim Gorky in a new version by Phil Willmott
The Lower Depths is a harrowing exploration of the lives of the destitute in pre-revolutionary Russia, examining their struggle for survival amidst despair and addiction.
About The Play
About The Play
Recent National Theatre and Almeida productions of Maxim Gorky’s plays have sparked a resurgence of interest in the playwright and social reformer.
The multi-award-winning Steam Industry now presents a rare opportunity to experience his undisputed masterpiece…
Set amongst the whores, alcoholics, cynics and dosshouse dreamers of a Russia on the brink of revolution, The Lower Depths is a harrowing, violent and uncompromising portrayal of the human sprit at it’s lowest ebb, with destitution and death an ever present spectre.
Can this gang of misfits and losers find any nobility in their hand to mouth struggle for survival?
With no easy answers, neat plot twists or satisfying resolution, this ruthless depiction of an underclass without hope shocked audiences in infamous Moscow, London and Berlin premieres.
Over a hundred years later, it still feels searingly relevant whenever poverty drives ordinary people to addiction and despair…
Cast in order of appearance
Pavel, the actor – Richard Sandells
Katya, the prostitute – Victoria Gee
Satinin, the card player – Dean Kelly
Yegor, the furrier – Peter G Reed
Natasha, doss house skivvy – Louise Shuttleworth
Vassily, the thief – Charlie Watts
Borris, the baron – Andrew Colley
Tatiana, the widow – Ursula Mohan
Mikhail, the bereaved man – Scott MacBain
Abram, the policeman – James Folan
Olga, the landlady – Olivia Macdonald
Luka, the old traveller – Richard Gofton