In the early years of the century, Russians of every social class were beginning to sense the onset of a great upheaval. Gorky's mighty naturalistic masterpiece shows us a diverse group of Russians meeting, as they do every year, at their summer holiday retreat. Some are frightened of the prospect of change, some are angry and some yearn for a new life. As they question the value of their work, their art and leisure, they're shocked by the responses their disputes reveal. Relationships break under the strain and scandals of business and infidelity are laid bare.
