The sparse stage set

As the assistant director explained, they wanted a large, rather empty space to suggest an age in transition… a space that would give each of the characters lots of scope to express their individuality… There was a wonderful effect created by the sun streaming in through doors at the end with the sounds of birds in the Cherry Orchard… the haunting sound of a steam train at the start and the finish framed the play with a symbol of the impact of modern times on an old way of life.