Andrew Scott: A Multifaceted Talent in “Vanya”
“I truly believe that we all embody multitudes,” Andrew Scott remarked on a brisk Friday morning in March. Scott, undoubtedly, encompasses more than most. An actor renowned for his exceptional sensitivity and dynamic presence, he is currently starring in an Off-Broadway adaptation of Chekhov’s poignant comedy “Uncle Vanya.” The production has been cleverly condensed to simply “Vanya.”
The New York transfer of this acclaimed London production had just premiered a few nights prior. In this innovative rendition, playwright Simon Stephens has cleverly transported the setting from 19th-century Russia to the lush landscapes of contemporary rural Ireland. Scott takes on the role of the central character, a man who has devoted his life to supporting his ineffectual brother-in-law, while also portraying the brother-in-law himself, the beleaguered niece, the overlooked young wife, and a host of other characters. Remarkably, Scott remains alone on stage throughout the performance, yet the stage feels populated with the multitude of voices he embodies.
The New York Times critic Jesse Green aptly described Scott’s performance as that of a “human Swiss Army knife,” highlighting his versatility. Acknowledging his impressive work in productions like “Fleabag,” “Ripley,” and the recent film “All of Us Strangers,” Green also referred to Scott as a “sadness machine”—a sentiment echoed by many. Variety has even dubbed him “Hollywood’s new prince of heartache.”
On that particular morning, Scott, now 48, didn’t appear overtly melancholic, though he looked somewhat disheveled. The original plan had been to stroll over to Little Island and then meander along the Hudson River toward the theater, but inclement weather had forced a change in plans.
- “Oh my God, it’s so windy,” he exclaimed while braving the elements outside. (“You can’t afford to get sick,” his publicist anxiously interjected.)
Seeking refuge, Scott retreated with a breakfast burrito and a vibrant Day-Glo orange juice to the cover of a nearby pier. From there, expansive windows offered a view of the river, whose choppy, gray-green waters mirrored the depths of emotion reflected in his eyes.
