A Saga of epic proportions
Doctor Zhivago, Boris Pasternak's 1957 novel that was later adapted into one of the highest grossing films of all time starring Omar Shariff, is a sweeping tale of loss, perseverance and romance set against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution of 1905. As the old order comes crashing down, our hero is Yuri Andreyevich Zhivago, a poet and doctor who finds his heart divided by Lara Antipova, a fearless and independent woman who ignites his passions and changes his life for ever.
Now this famous epic comes to the stage, directed by Des McAnuff (Jersey Boys) with a new book by Michael Weller, music Lucy Simon and lyrics from Michael Korie & Amy Powers. This production originally premiered in Australia, where it won raves when staged in 2011.
What is Doctor Zhivago about?
Boris Pasternak's novel is known for it's immensely intricate and detailed plot, and conforms to the Russian tradition of referring to characters by many nicknames. In brief, DV is the story of Yuri, a young boy orphaned and sent to live with a wealthy family after his parents die. He grows up and goes on to marry the daughter of the house, Tonya, who becomes a loyal wife. At the same time, Lara is in a tumultuous relationship with an older man, who she tries to assassinate at a party.
Saved from herself by Pasha, a young idealist, she marries him, only for the changing state of Russia to transform him to into a cold and terrifying fighter in the war. Whilst searching for him, she enters the battle as a nurse, where she meets Yuri Zhivago and falls for him, starting a romance that spans distance, years and surivices when no one can be truly sure of their fate...