The Bear/The Proposal plays by Anton Chekhov translated by Michael Frayn directed by Lucy J Skilbeck Wednesday 15 March Saturday 25 March 2017 The Clare Genesis Future Directors Award winner Lucy J Skilbeck directs two one-act comedic shorts: The Bear and The Proposal Casting announced: George Ikediashi, Kamari Romeo and Rebecca Root Translated from Chekhov by Michael Frayn, The Bear and The Proposal playfully explore the absurdity of gender divisions. In The Bear, inconsolable widow Elena has vowed to spend the rest of her days at home, grieving. Seven months into her mourning, an intrusion from an unknown and headstrong stranger forces her to re-engage with the outside world.

In The Proposal, a bachelor asks a neighbour for his hand in marriage. a practical move: time is marching on for Lomov, and he believes Natalya is as good a match as he can hope to find. Though her father is delighted, a misunderstanding leads to wild accusations and plan risks being thrown off course. Design for The Bear and The Proposal is by Ben Stones, with light by Joshua Pharo, sound by Elena Peña and casting by Sam Jones CDG. George Ikediashi returns to the Young Vic after performing in Tobias and the Angel in 2006.

His theatre credits include Threepenny Opera (National Theatre), Porgy & Bess Park Open Air), Peter Pan (Theatre Lighthouse),Hair (OId Market), Jesus Christ Superstar, La Cage Aux Folles (Theatre Royal Brighton).Opera Credits include: Imago (Glyndebourne), Varjak Paw (Royal Opera House) and La Traviata (Barn Theatre). Kamari Romeo theatre credits include Whisper Me Happy Ever After (Face Front Theatre Company), At The Feet of Jesus (Theatre Royal Stratford East) Elemental (Bush Theatre), Sequin Deep (Theatre N16), The Jungle Book (Emporium Brighton) and Alice in Wonderland (The Minack Theatre). Rebecca Root theatre credits include Trans Scripts (Pleasance Courtyard and American Repertory Theatre), Tartuffe (Pentameters Theatre). Film Credits include: The Danish Girl. Television Credits include: Boy Meets Girl, Hank Zipzer, Doctors, Celebrity Mastermind, Hollyoaks and Midsomer Murders.

Short films include: Eddie/Elise and Sis. Lucy J Skilbeck is a writer and director and the Artistic Director of Milk Presents, an Associate Company of Derby JOAN (Milk Presents and Derby Theatre); Penelope Retold (Derby Theatre and UK Tour); and 3 Wise Monkeys (Hiccup Theatre and UK Tour). As an Assistant/Associate Director their credits include: Herons (Lyric Hammersmith); The Complete Deaths (Spymonkey and UK tour); Islands (Bush Theatre) and Brassed Off, The Odyssey (Derby Theatre). Lucy was the recipient of a BBC Legacy Award 2015 and a Scotsman Fringe First 2016.

Their current work with Milk Presents, Passing in Elysian Fields, is commissioned by the Jerwood Home Run Commission, will premiere at Camden People’s Theatre in September 2017. Anton Chekhov was born in 1860 in Taganrog, Russia. He supported his family by writing hundreds of comic sketches for newspapers while training to be a doctor. He also wrote a series of comic one-acts and full-length plays which were ahead of their time.

His credits include: The Seagull, Uncle Vanya, Three Sisters and The Cherry Orchard. Michael Frayn is an award-winning English playwright and novelist. His writing credits for theatre include: Copenhagen, Afterlife, Benefactors, Years, and Democracy. Michael has also translated works by Anton Chekhov and other Russian playwrights, and adapted Chekhovs first untitled play as Wild Honey. He has written a number of screenplays including: Clockwise, starring John Cleese.

His eleven novels include: The Tin Men, Towards the End of the Morning, Headlong, Spies, and Skios. His other published work includes articles: Collected Columns, Stage Directions and Travels with a Typewriter; works of philosophy: Constructions, The Human Touch; and a memoir: My Fortune. His most recent book, Fortune. His most recent book, Matchbox Theatre, a collection of thirty short stories, was produced by Hampstead Theatre in 2015. A revival of his play, Noises Off, was presented by Roundabout Theatre Company on Broadway this year at the American Airlines Theatre.

Established in 2012, the Genesis Future Directors Award was created to nurture emerging directors by providing them with an opportunity to explore and develop their craft while creating their first fully resourced production at the Young Vic, recognised for its engagement with young directors. The Award will provide Lucy J Skilbeck with mentoring and support from the theatres unique creative network, which includes Artistic Director David Lan, Genesis Fellow Gbolahan Obisesan, Lead Producer Daisy Heath and Associate Artistic Director Sue Emmas. The Bear/The Proposal by Anton Chekov and translated by Michael Frayn is directed by Lucy J Skilbeck, recipient of the Genesis Future Directors Award 2017.

It is designed by Ben Stones, with light by Joshua Pharo and sound by Elena Peña. Due to the nature of the Genesis Future Directors Award, no press night will be held for The Bear/The Proposal. For further press information please contact: Charlotte Bayley, Press Manager charlottebayley@youngvic.org | 0207 922 2979 Christine Achampong, Press & Publications Assistant christineachampong@youngvic.org | 0207 922 2842 www.youngvic.org

Notes to Editors Listings The Bear/The Proposal Wednesday 15th March Saturday 25th March 2017 The Clare, Young Vic, 66 The Cut, Waterloo, London, SE1 8LZ Performances: Monday to Saturday at 8.00pm | Matinees on Wednesday and Saturday at 3.00pm (except 15 & 18 March) Tickets: £15, £10 concessions Box Office: www.youngvic.org | 020 7922 2922 — About the Young Vic The Young Vic produces classics, new plays, forgotten works, musicals and opera, and tours widely in the UK and internationally. It has deep roots in its neighbourhood and extensive co-producing relationships with leading theatres all over the world. The Young associate companies are BirdGang Dance, Belarus Free Theatre (BFT), Good Chance Theatre and Regional Theatre Young Directors Scheme (RTYDS).

Artistic Director: David Lan Executive Director: Lucy Woollatt www.youngvic.org The Young Vic receives public subsidy from Arts Council England and Lambeth & Southwark Borough Councils