Critics still talk about a ‘definitive’ production, using the term not as a pejorative but as high praise. These commentaries are not an attempt to finalize some such imaginary entity as an ideal production. Like all great theatre, Chekhov will remain alive and self-renewing with each performance. In his case, this quality is notably linked with his objectivity as a dramatist.

For all his demand for accuracy in his abundance of detail, and his expectation that every detail should fit into an exact pattern, Chekhov's great plays can never suffer from petrified production. While he called for the most carefully planned ensemble work, at the same time he satisfied most adequately the drive of creative improvision dear to all good actors. Because his many details grow organically together, they challenge the stage every time to engender new life. We may go to the theatre hoping to see the definitive production of a Chekhov play, but this can never be. We shall always see something new in Chekhov, just as we do in Shakespeare.

Lillian Hellman explained the disagreements between Chekhov and his director very simply.