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Short Stories by Anton Chekhov Bk.2, narrated by Russian-born actor Max Bollinger, features the dramatic stories Anyuta; The Helpmate; Ivan Matveyitch; Polinka; and Talent. Featuring music from Pytor Tchaikovsky, the stories are based on the original translations by Constance Clara Garnett, a 19th century expert of Russian literature, and are produced by Interactive Media.

Celebrations to mark the 150th birthday of the Pushkin prize-winning writer, widely considered one of the greatest short story writers ever, are continuing around the world. Theatres from Mexico City to Beijing are staging dedicated festivals to this most compassionate of writers, who is best known for the classics The Seagull, Uncle Vanya, Three Sisters and The Cherry Orchard.

Actor Max, who is fluent in both Russian and English and an aficionado of the dramatist’s works, believes the short stories by the acclaimed 19th century dramatist are as relevant today as when they were first written. Chekhov, who pioneered the “stream of consciousness” style of writing, wrote about credit crunch and financial problems in Russia 100 years ago that echo the current banking crisis and bank’s obsession with bonuses and hoarding capital, explained Max.

“Chekhov had a sharp eye and was able to capture life with extraordinary skill,” Max said.

“He often insisted that the duty of art and an artist is not to answer questions, but ask them. And indeed what his writing does is huge effort to make people think and not only see the question but also resolve it.

“And this resolution is not written in the form of instruction by Chekhov; the way he constructed his stories is such that answers come between the lines. And the solution is different for each person.”

The CD will be available in the USA and Canada via online retailers from February 2010 and follows the success of Short Stories by Anton Chekhov, which was released in November 2009 to five star reviews: “These six unabridged stories in the faithful Constance Garnett translation are presented with fine flourish by the Russian-born narrator. The poignant, everyday dramas of Imperial Russia are here, from jolting carriages across boundless taiga, to a tragic actor and a French tutor insulted by his boastful employer,” wrote Rachel Redford of The Guardian.

reviewers in the United States, Grady Harp of LA and Kathy Wroblewski of Baltimore both gave 5 star ratings in their reviews of first release

For details visit www.anton-chekhov.com