Enemies

Genre:Drama
Opened 11 May 2006
Written: by Gorky, new version by David Hare
Directed: Michael Attenborough
Cast: Sean Chapman (Zakhar Bardin), Jack Davenport (Yakov Bardin), Amanda Drew (Tatyana), Amanda Root (Polina Bardin), Martin Barron (Akimov), John Benfield (Kon), Sean Gilder (Michail Skrobotov/Captain Boboyedov) Patrick Godfrey (General Pechenegov), John Higgins (Grekov), Toby Kebbell (Sintsov), Stephen Noonan (Nikolai Skrobotov), Edward Peel (Levshin), Glynn Sweet (Police Superintendent), Graham Turner (Pologii), Tony Turner (Yagodin), Robin Weaver (Kleopatra Skrobotov), Matthew Wilson (Ryabstov), Sandra Voe (Agrafina), Deka Walmsley (Kvach), Jodie Whittaker (Nadya).
Synopsis: Set on a family estate in provincial Russia in 1907, Gorky's powerful drama focuses on a struggle between workers and industrialists. Caught in the middle, the well intentioned liberal- minded owner's brother is slain in a scuffle with a workman. The ensuing investigation uncovers a political fervour that sweeps the countryside.

What the critics had to say.....
NICHOLAS DE JONGH for THE EVENING STANDARD says, "The fascination of Enemies keeps its hold in David Hare's fluent new version." PAUL TAYLOR for THE INDEPENDENT says, "David Hare has written a brilliantly pointed, fresh and slimmed-down adaptation of the piece. It's unveiled now in a superb production..." MICHAEL BILLINGTON for THE GUARDIAN says, "Exists brilliantly in its own right; what it deals with is not merely enmity between classes, but the factions in the decaying bourgeoisie....One of the many virtues of David Hare's shining new version is that it clarifies Gorky's plot and distinguishes between the multiple characters." BENEDICT NIGHTINGALE for THE TIMES says, "Fine adaptation."

External links to full reviews from popular press
The Guardian
The Independent
The Times