Ethan Hawke Shows Humorous Side in Chekhov's Play 'Ivanov'

Actor Ethan Hawke has return to his theatrical roots as he takes on the role of a melancholy Russian man in an 1887 realistic drama.

Anton Chekhov's "Ivanov," is set in Russia and features the life of "Nikolai Ivanov," a government official concerned with peasant affairs.

This adaptation of this Chekhov piece is being redone by Austin Pendleton through the Classic Stage Company and has given Ethan Hawke the starring role of the piece where he will play "Nikolai Ivanov."

Time Out New York spoke to both Pendleton and Hawke about the drama with Hawke trying to sum up who "Ivanov," is.

"Playing the part feels a bit like going inside a cave. You can't see anything else. It's a black hole. It's terrifying," says Hawke. The 41-year old actor went on to say. "Chekhov's kind of reality-show sense of humor: He shows people as they are, and they reveal how funny they can be without intending to."

Hawke said he took the part because "there's something punk rock about the play." Pendleton chimed in and said "Chekhov doesn't even give you a reason why the guy's depressed; his life just sucks. Chekhov finessed his philosophy as time went on, but you feel that this is him at his most angry and most outraged at the world."

The play by Chekhov has drawn many comparisons to William Shakespeare's "Hamlet," but both director and star actor are quick to move "Ivanov," from the aforementioned.

"This is totally different than Hamlet," Hawke said.

"A lot of people romanticize Hamlet, and mean it as a kind of compliment to call someone 'a Hamlet,' " Pendleton said. "Ivanov is saying: If you really are that person, it's hell. It's a very ugly experience. It feels like shit, and it's very destructive."

The duo has known each other for a while and relishes the prospect of working together in this piece that runs from Oct. 17 to Oct. 19. With Hawke saying that this production is "a date Austin and I have had for 20 years."

Hawke has prior on stage performances earlier in his career but is better known for his work in movies such as "Training Day," a film which saw him play opposite fellow actor Denzel Washington.Hawke also starred in the successful film "Brooklyn's Finest," back in 2010.