The plays of Russian author and dramatist Anton Chekhov have been described as “spinach theater;” they may not taste good going down, but they’re good for the soul. The DU Department of Theater’s production of “Seagull,” however, might convince some to enjoy their veggies.
“Seagull” tells the intertwined story of budding playwright Konstantin Treplev, his mother and famed actress Irina Arkadina, celebrated writer Boris Trigorin, and aspiring actress Nina Zarechnaya. Through the age-old story in which everyone is in love with the wrong person and no one is happy, Chekhov explores numerous other themes of conflict, including the rural-urban divide, the clash of artists of different generations and the tortured life of those who live to create.
DU’s production is exceptionally-performed, with acting that inspires thought and interest from the audience while creating clear chemistry from the relationships on stage. The set is simple yet bold, with a design that is very well tailored for DU’s unique Byron Theatre. Additionally, intriguing directing choices that place all the actors on stage for the majority of the show’s first act, even when they might traditionally be offstage, add another layer to the complex show which the actors seemed to handle without batting an eye.
Further, the translation used by DU for its performance is from one of their own, Allison Horsley, a DU alumnus and current DU Associate Professor who also serves as a dramaturg–or cultural and general advisor–for this production of Seagull. Horsley originally translated Chekhov’s play in 2007, when she was commissioned to do so through the director of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival alongside Libby Appel, who adapted Horsley’s direct translation.
“Working with a student dramaturg, I shared some cultural and historical information on the context of the play (that era in Russian history, the world of the play) with the actors so they’d have a better sense of the world they were inhabiting on stage,” said Horsley.
Horsley’s knowledge of the play, along with the cast and crew’s dedication and expertise, truly make DU’s production enjoyable and worthwhile. So even if you think Chekhov’s “spinach theatre” might not be up your alley, get yourself some culture and give peas a chance with DU’s last productions of “Seagull” this weekend.
“Seagull” will show Saturday, November 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, November 9 at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased on the DU Department of Theatre webpage.
