When Love Becomes Rescue: Reflections on The Real Ivanov

I recently watched The Real Ivanov, the comedy about despair, at the Lynn F. Angelson Theater.

I really love, love, love of  Broadway shows, especially the plays in the small, cozy theater. The theater itself immediately feels intimate. The actors did an amazing job conveying Chekhov's complexity. Although Chekhov’s play takes place in the distant mid-19th century in Russia, the themes are still so relevant today. 

The show talks about alcoholism, antisemitism, and, more importantly, mental health. What resonated with me the most were the themes of depression among men and how women organize themselves around men’s suffering. 

Not to give away the spoiler, but one of the women characters not only has a mission to rescue a man from depression by marrying him but continues to push him, despite seeing his struggles and seeing his ambivalence about the relationship. 

The show is sobering to watch; although it is 2026, these messages passed down from the 19th century to women are still there. 

As a bilingual therapist and woman, I can relate to how rescuing and sacrificing feels so familiar.  Although we can say it’s for the sake of other people, we can also see the character might have difficulty putting herself first and being alone rather than being in a relationship. Although women didn't have as many rights back then as they do now, I can still see these messages passed down from generation to generation and showing up today in 2026. 

The show is a must-watch.