Near perfection in alum's 'Uncle Vanya'

Posted Tue, 08/19/2008 - 1:28pm

Alumna Timothy Near will step down as artistic director of the San Jose Repertory Theatre at the end of the season, but she is keeping busy in the stage world. She is director of Anton Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya," playing through Aug. 31 at California Shakespeare Theater in Orinda.

An Aug. 11 review in the San Francisco Chronicle raves about Near's production, calling it "engrossing," "sweet" and "poignant." Critic Robert Hurwitt adds: "Near ... delivers a beautifully orchestrated 'Vanya' in her Cal Shakespeare Theater debut."

In another San Francisco Chronicle article, published Aug. 10, Near discusses "Uncle Vanya" and reflects on her illustrious career in theatre.

Photo: Jay Yamada