Theatre Kingston presents
“I Take your hand in mine ... “
A play suggested by the love letters of Anton Chekhov and Olga Knipper, that traces the passionate relationship between the world famous dramatist and Russia's leading actress.
The six year correspondence spans the birth of the Moscow Art Theatre and the production of Chekhov's four major plays. Embedded into the everyday are gems of theatre history and insights into Chekhov's creative process, as well as a real-life drama that is as tempestuous, teasing and spontaneous as any Chekhov play.
Written by Carol Rocamora
Directed by Dmitry Zhukovsky
Cast Richard Sheridan Willis, Rena Polley
Presented by Theatre Kingston in association with The Chekhov Collective and Theatrus
Nov 12 - 22, 2025
Wed - Sat @ 7:30pm, Sat @ 2:00pm
Baby Grand Theatre
218 Princess St., Kingston, Ontario
Washington Reviews
"A matchless, hypnotic portrait of love ... a treasure trove of power-sharing between two actors that led me to lean way forward in my seat. As I looked around, I was not the only one."
— DC Metro
"Short of seeing a major Chekhov play, this is a good way get close to the beloved Russian playwright."
— Broadway World
"Could there be anything more sublime than experiencing mastery and passion of committed artists sharing their love and understanding of Chekhov, unfiltered by gimmicks or production dazzle?"
— DC Theatre Scene
"This play ... is exceptional. Go see it. You'll fall gloriously in love."
— Maryland Theatre Guide
Toronto Reviews
"Two-hander about Chekhov's relationship with Olga Knipper captures the spirit of the Russian master..."
— Now
"…I found them mesmerizing, these two!... both of them humourous and playful to the end in the face of adversity ... 'I take your hand in mine' is a must see for Chekhov enthusiasts.”
— Mooney on Theatre
"Judging from the audience’s ecstatic welcome on opening night, it’s clear that many fans have been eagerly awaiting the play’s return. Director Zhukovsky has eliminated the need for costuming, instead keeping us completely involved in the characters rather than the 'period'. It's so sensible an approach that one doesn't even take notice until midway into the play."
— Scene Changes
"Together we fall in love with them ... we are within the tragicomedy human spirit, the spirit so much requested and desired by Chekhov."
— Russian Week
"I Take Your Hand in Mine… is a play that has a strange resonance to it, of sadness and a larger joy. Like fine wine, it’s a drama to savour."