The Proposal

Adapted and directed by Mark Wood
Filmed by Roddy Simpson

Ten Feet Tall celebrates its 5th birthday by remounting the hilarious one-act play The Proposal, adapted for film by company member and actor Mark Wood and set on location in the Morning Room at the beautiful setting of Haddo House.

Lomov has finally plucked up the courage to propose to Natalya Stepanovna, the daughter of his long-time neighbour Chubukov. A surprising turn of events causes Lomov to get hot under the collar in more ways than one.

Anton Chekhov wrote The Proposal in 1889 and referred to the play as a “joke in one act” identifying it as being closer to farce than the serious drama more often associated with his works.

The Proposal was originally seen as part of “Chekhov Shorts” Ten Feet Tall’s first ever production in 2016.

“..delivered with consummate ease and unfaltering confidence. As funny as they are, they also say something about the absurdity of life and the strange quirks sometimes evident in human nature”
on “Chekhov Shorts”
Joyce Summers, Press and Journal, 2016

A word from the Director of the film:

“I set out to create a version of the story that brought it away from rural Russia circa 1890 and a little closer to home, sometime in the early 1900’s.

The setting of Haddo House helped to bring the characters and voices to life ahead of time, allowing me to envisage the world which they inhabit.

Sarah, Stewart and I – as performers – looked to make bold choices to allow the characters to spark and ignite one another; this ‘powder keg’ always just below the surface.

The style of the piece we viewed as an older style sitcom – where the comedy is flowing fast and this pace allows things to be said in the heat of the moment. A comedy-farce of manners and pleasantries versus saying what you really think: to ones face.

Special thanks to all at Haddo Arts and to everyone who helped behind the scenes. We hope you enjoy watching it. From the Ten Feet Tall Team.