<DIV><P>In Chekhov's tragi-comedy, one of his most studied plays, the Gayev family is torn by powerful forces deeply rooted in history and the society in which they live. When their estate is hopelessly in debt they are urged to cut down their beautiful cherry orchard and sell the land for holiday cottages, a proposition which prompts a family struggle to act decisively. <P>Originally published to coincide with Peter Hall's National Theatre production in 1978, this edition features the revised translation staged by Sam Mendes at the Aldwych Theatre, London, in 1989, starring Judi Dench and Ronald Pickup. <P>Commentary and notes by Nick Worrall</P></DIV>