Wild Honey (play)

Wild Honey is a play adapted by Michael Frayn from Anton Chekhov's early, untitled, and unfinished play, sometimes referred to as Platonov. Frayn's adaptation premiered at the National Theatre in London in 1984, starring Ian McKellen as Platonov.

The play is a comedy-drama set in rural Russia during the summer. It revolves around Mikhail Platonov, a charismatic but disillusioned schoolteacher, and the various romantic entanglements and social dramas that unfold around him. Platonov is married to Sasha, but is pursued by and entangled with multiple women, including Anna Petrovna, a wealthy widow, and Sofya Yegorovna, the wife of a local doctor.

Wild Honey explores themes of love, infidelity, societal hypocrisy, and the frustrations of the intelligentsia in Tsarist Russia. Platonov, despite his intelligence and charm, is portrayed as self-destructive and unable to find meaning or happiness. The play satirizes the idle rich and their superficial lives, while also depicting the struggles of those who are less fortunate.

Frayn's adaptation is noted for its fast-paced dialogue, comedic elements, and poignant exploration of Chekhovian themes. While faithful to the spirit of the original, unfinished play, Frayn's version provides a more structured narrative and clearer character arcs. The play has been produced numerous times since its premiere, and remains a popular choice for theatrical productions.