Maxim Gorky (1868–1936) was a Russian writer, playwright and political activist. He is credited with developing ‘socialist realism'. Although he didn't have an uncritical opinion of the October Revolution, he was close to both Lenin and Stalin, and his work is largely propagandistic, reinforcing a view of capitalism as exploitation and socialism as the route to utopia.
The six works included in this release are BBC radio adaptations of some of his best-known works. It starts with ‘The Lower Depths', which was originally performed in 1902 at the Moscow Arts Theatre. This 1997 play for voices (the longest piece in the collection) is adapted by Alan Plater, one of the most accomplished writers of his age. ‘The Beiderbecke Trilogy' and ‘A Very British Coup' are two of his most notable works. This production features the late, great John Woodvine as the actor, forever quoting fragments of Shakespeare as he attempts to salvage his life from the grip of alcoholism. Malcolm Storry plays the cynical Satin. Glyn Houston gives a gutsy performance as Pepel. Darkly humorous, the action takes place in a lodging house for destitute characters. Among thieves, actors and abusers, philosophical conversations take place on where death fails to interfere with a game of cards. A touch of sad concertina music adds a layer of pathos.
Next up is ‘Summerfolk', originally written in 1904. It revolves around a group of middle-class intellectuals, professionals and their families during a trip to the countryside. Each character clings to the idea of an old order, convinced that revolutionary socialism won't have reached their provinces. Factory owners are depicted as entirely callous and money-driven, and the satire is leaden, its points relentlessly hammered home. It's hard to know if Gorky intends his audience to laugh or feel pity at the attempted suicide of one of the characters. The production features the National Theatre cast of Christine Pritchard, Simon Armstrong, Kelly Hunter and Ruth Jones.
‘Enemies', written in 1906, is set during a labour dispute at a factory and develops further the theme of conflict between factory owners and workers. It predicts the revolution that would engulf Russia a decade later. This radio production from 1983 was part of the BBC's ‘The Monday Play' series. It features two terrific actors: Timothy Bateson as Mikhail Skrobotov and Norman Rodway, whose distinctive clipped tones are ideas to bring to life Uakov Bardin, the owner's brother. A current leading light of the West End, Alex Jennings, plays Grekov, one of the workers. You can also hear Graham Crowden (‘Waiting for God'), Peter Woodthorpe (the pathologist in ‘Inspector Morse') and Barbara Leigh-Hunt (‘Billy Elliot').
‘Vassa Zhelyeznova' tells the story of Vassa, the ruthless matriarch of a wealthy shipping family who fights desperately to preserve her business and family power amid corruption, decay, and moral collapse. The theme of alcoholism returns, as the bourgeois are depicted as weak and self-indulgent. This 1986 radio adaptation of Gorky's 1910 play features Billie Whitelaw (‘The Omen') as Vassa. Regularly Samuel Beckett's favourite actor, Whitelaw was theatre royalty, and it's not hard to see why this vocal performance earned her the Sony Radio Award for Best Actress.
‘The Old Man' (1915) follows Yakov, a troubled caretaker living in isolation near a provincial estate, whose uneasy existence is disrupted by the arrival of an enigmatic old wanderer. This 1974 adaptation features the inimitable Freddie Jones (‘The Elephant Man') in the lead role, with able support from Maxine Audley and Alan Webb.
Finally, listeners can enjoy a reading of Gorky's 1899 short story ‘Twenty-Six Men and a Girl' by Joe Melia. Bakery workers labouring in brutal, prison-like conditions making bread in a cellar are isolated from normal human life. Their one source of joy is Tanya, a cheerful young girl who passes by daily to collect bread rolls. The workers idealise her as pure, innocent, and untouched by the degradation surrounding them.
This collection of adaptations of Maxim Gorky's best-known works feature stellar performances from some of the best actors of their generation. Each is produced to a high standard. If you are enthusiastic about Gorky's work, there is over nine hours' worth of listening to enjoy.
Historically, these works are an interesting window into Soviet thinking. Gorky later spoke against the regime's authoritarianism and censorship. In that context, his pre-revolutionary works come across as politically naive, and certainly propagandistic. I found many of these tales rather wearing because the characters are used as a vessel for the writer's presentation of his worldview, rather than coming across as fully rounded human beings. Much of the dialogue is on-the-nose rather than naturalistic.
There are some funny moments, particularly in ‘The Lower Depths', which is the standout production in this collection. But Gorky is too political to provide characters with much veracity or any great psychological insights, and he is too ideological to offer much thematic variety. Outside of his role as an advocate for socialism, Gorky's writings strike me as limited, with better Russian playwrights such as Chekhov achieving much greater artistry.
Nevertheless, given his role in capturing the mood of coming revolution, it's understandable why Gorky's works continue to attract attention and provoke reactions. Make up your own mind with this well-produced collection of some of his best-known works.
Cast: John Woodvine, Malcolm Storry, Billie Whitelaw, Freddie Jones, Joe Melia Publisher: Penguin Random House UK audio Publication date: 2nd April December 2026 Buy ‘Maxim Gorky: A BBC Radio Drama Collection'
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