Yearning to return to a beloved hometown, working through family antics and self-discovery–such themes characterize nearly every college student at one time or another. As the end of the school year imminently approaches, all these feelings and experiences are summed up into one dynamic play. “Three Sisters” brings to life the relatable struggles and triumphs faced as one dreams for the future.

The Saint Louis University Fine and Performing Arts Department brings the Russian masterpiece to Xavier Hall this weekend. Directed by Tom Martin, the play was originally written by Russian author and playwright, Anton Chekhov, in 1900.

“Three Sisters” tells the story of the Sergeevna sisters in their longing to find fulfillment in their hometown of Moscow. Set in provincial Russia, the play chronicles the quests for happiness of discouraged school teacher, Olga, unhappily married, Masha, and the young and hopeful, Irina.

As the role of Natasha, the sister-in-law of the Sergeevna sisters, junior Caroline Kwan describes the story as, “one that shows a family struggling to escape the life they have been living for so long and return to what they consider true happiness. I feel that this is something a lot of people could relate to: that deep longing for a different life and not being able to change anything about it.”

Audiences follow the sisters as they seek a cure for their unhappiness and encounter other characters embodying the human condition in all stages of life. Audience can expect a truly professional performance from the fully dedicated student actors.

Kwan describes her role as, “ by far been one of the more difficult characters I have played, yet also one of the most rewarding experiences.”

Ultimately, just like college students rounding off the school year, the Sergeevna sisters seek to discover themselves and restore a sense of hope for their present and future.

Sophomore Liz Meinders portrays the  idealistic youngest sister, Irina. She states, “‘Three Sisters’ was an incredible show to be in and I think anyone who sees it will love it. It really does capture life: a little funny, full of love stories, even more devastating and ironically hopeful.”

“Three Sisters” will be performed in the Saint Louis University Theatre in Xavier Hall  on Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4 at 8 p.m. as well as a final matinee show  on Sunday, May 5t at 2 p.m.