Introduction

“Thunderstorm” is a classic play by Russian playwright Anton Chekhov, originally written in Russian and later translated into English. The script captures the essence of human emotions and relationships in a stormy night, exploring themes of love, desire, and the complexities of human nature. Below is the complete English script of “Thunderstorm,” broken down into acts and scenes for easy reference.

Act I

Scene 1

  • Characters: Fyodor Kolya, Anfisa, Anyuta, and a Servant.
  • Setting: The kitchen of the Kolya household.
  • Dialogue:
    • Fyodor Kolya enters, complaining about his wife, Anfisa.
    • Anfisa, the housekeeper, enters and rebukes Fyodor.
    • Anyuta, Fyodor’s daughter, enters and tries to mediate between her parents.
    • The servant enters to deliver a letter to Fyodor.

Scene 2

  • Characters: Fyodor Kolya, Anfisa, Anyuta, and the Letter Carrier.
  • Setting: The drawing room of the Kolya household.
  • Dialogue:
    • The letter carrier reads a letter from Kolya’s friend, Yevgeny, inviting him to visit.
    • Fyodor expresses his desire to visit Yevgeny but is reluctant due to his financial troubles.
    • Anfisa questions Fyodor’s motives for visiting Yevgeny and expresses her concerns.

Act II

Scene 1

  • Characters: Fyodor Kolya, Anfisa, Anyuta, Yevgeny, and a Servant.
  • Setting: The drawing room of the Kolya household.
  • Dialogue:
    • Yevgeny arrives, much to Anfisa’s chagrin.
    • Yevgeny flirts with Anyuta, causing Anfisa to become jealous.
    • Fyodor tries to maintain peace between his wife and friend.

Scene 2

  • Characters: Fyodor Kolya, Anfisa, Anyuta, Yevgeny, and a Nurse.
  • Setting: The drawing room of the Kolya household.
  • Dialogue:
    • The nurse enters to inform Anfisa that Anyuta is ill.
    • Anfisa is overwhelmed with worry and Yevgeny offers to help.
    • Fyodor expresses his gratitude to Yevgeny for his support.

Act III

Scene 1

  • Characters: Fyodor Kolya, Anfisa, Anyuta, Yevgeny, and a Servant.
  • Setting: The drawing room of the Kolya household.
  • Dialogue:
    • Anfisa confronts Fyodor about his relationship with Yevgeny, causing a heated argument.
    • Anyuta enters, weakened by her illness, and Fyodor attempts to comfort her.
    • Yevgeny offers to leave, hoping to ease the tension.

Scene 2

  • Characters: Fyodor Kolya, Anfisa, Anyuta, Yevgeny, and a Nurse.
  • Setting: The drawing room of the Kolya household.
  • Dialogue:
    • The nurse enters to inform Anfisa that Anyuta has died.
    • Anfisa and Fyodor are overwhelmed with grief, and Yevgeny offers his condolences.
    • The play ends with the characters reflecting on the events of the night and the impact of their actions on one another.

This script captures the intense emotions and relationships between the characters, highlighting the human struggle to navigate love, desire, and the complexities of life. “Thunderstorm” remains a timeless piece that continues to resonate with audiences today.