What do women want? Any man? Platonov was a distinguished academic, now a village schoolteacher married to the simple but cheerful and loving Sasha. Platonov is a witty if temperamental guest, sought after at the dinner parties of Anna, a general's widow, who lives on her estate, deeply in debt, flirting with him. To the season's first dinner, Anna's aged stepson brings his new wife, Sofia, whom Platonov knew when he was a professor. She's still in his thrall and he presses his suit. He also behaves badly at the party toward Maria Grekova, a young single woman. By the night's end, he has stirred up enough passion to overwhelm the neighborhood. Will anyone take any action, or will it be all talk? Written by
BBC Play of the Month
A brilliant fellow, Platonov, and he might be a good husband, too - if only women would let him.
