Ivanov

Married to Anna Petrovna, who is fast fading from tuberculosis, and drowning in debt, Ivanov finds himself paralysed by life’s mounting pressures. Over the course of four gripping acts, this ordinary man – a middling landowner in central Russia – unravels into a spiral of melancholy and self-destruction. Tossed between moments of comic absurdity and crushing despair, this unlikely anti-hero takes us on a riveting journey through the tangled depths of the human soul. Chekhov penned Ivanov in just ten days, aged 27. It was 1887 and his youthful urgency breathes fire into this first major work, where tragedy and comedy entwine with aching intimacy. Jean-François Sivadier – writer, actor and director – brings his unmistakable theatrical voice to this raw and daring production. With a blend of seasoned actors and new companions, he rekindles Chekhov’s blazing intensity. Guided by the words of one of the greatest poets ever to grace the stage, this production resonates deeply with Gustav Mahler’s credo: « Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire. »

By Anton Tchekhov
Directed by Jean-François Sivadier

From 21 April
To 10 May 2026

Main Room
Duration 2h30 (in creation)
Dès 16 ans

Showtimes
Tuesday – Friday at 7.30 pm
Saturday – Sunday at 5 pm

Subtitles available in English and French on 25 & 28 April

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Distribution and credits

By Anton Tchekhov
Directed by Jean-François Sivadier
With Nicolas Bouchaud, Zakariya Gouram, Gulliver Hecq, Charlotte Issaly, Jisca Kalvanda, Norah Krief, Frédéric Noaille, Agnès Sourdillon (ongoing distribution)
Traduction André Markowicz and Françoise Morvan
Artistic collaboration Nicolas Bouchaud et Véronique Timsit,
Scenography Marguerite Bordat
Lights Philippe Berthomé et Jean-Jacques Beaudouin,
Costumes Virginie Gervaise

Production Compagnie Italienne avec Orchestre
Coproduction Théâtre de Carouge, Théâtre National Populaire à Villeurbanne, Théâtre des Amandiers de Nanterre, Auditorium de Poitiers – scène nationale, La Comédie de Saint-Etienne, Le Tandem – scène nationale de Douai Arras, L’Azimut Antony – Châtenay-Malabry
With the artistic participation of Jeune Théâtre National
La Compagnie Italienne avec Orchestre is supported by le Ministère de la Culture – DRAC Ile-de-Francein in support of companies
The play is published by éditions Actes Sud, collection Babel
Administration and promotion François Le Pillouer

Created on 21 January 2026 at Théâtre National Populaire in Villeurbanne

Subtitles

On 25 and 28 avril 2025, the Theatre offers a performance with subtitles in French and English.

Subtitles are available on tablets on loan free of charge.

They’re very easy to use, and you can read the surtitles from any seat in the theater.

How to reserve a tablet:

> Reserve your seat for a performance with surtitles.
> When you make your reservation, tell the box office that you need a tablet.
By e-mail: billetterie@theatredecarouge.ch
By phone: +41 22 343 43 43
On site: Rue Ancienne 37 A, Carouge
Tuesday to Friday 12h-18h
Saturday 10h14h
> 30 minutes before the show, ask for the tablet at the reception desk, in exchange for your ID.
> After the show, return the tablet to reception and collect your ID

By Anton Tchekhov
Directed by Jean-François Sivadier

From 21 April
To 10 May 2026

Main Room
Duration 2h30 (in creation)
Dès 16 ans

Showtimes
Tuesday – Friday at 7.30 pm
Saturday – Sunday at 5 pm

Subtitles available in English and French on 25 & 28 April

Book ▶︎