A play is performed on the shore of a lake. Its young idealistic author is devastated when his work is mocked by his family and friends. Passions and jealousies rise as his beloved gives her heart to his rival. With a hint of absurdist humor and melancholy, The Seagull explores our unquenchable human desire to live an extraordinary life.
The Jean-Claude van Itallie English translation of The Seagull will be performed in Leeds Theatre at Brown University Theatre from October 1-4 & 8-11, directed by Laura Rikard, a Visiting Assistant Professor for Theatre in the Department of Theatre Arts and Performance Studies at Brown University.
The Seagull, by Russian dramatist Anton Chekhov, was written in 1895; first produced in 1896, and considered to be the first of his four major works. Set in a bohemian estate from a bygone era, romantic and artistic conflict grow between four characters: a famous middle-of-the-road author; the candid Nina; a has-been actress named Irina Arkadina; and her son, the emblematic playwright, Konstantin Tréplev. The Seagull is a heart-breaking romance where its characters struggle to remember, forget, and move on from the past.
Director, Laura Rikard, said:
The Seagull has been my favorite play since I first read it in my dorm room in college and it is a pleasure bringing it to life with the students at Brown. We are creating an interpretation of this classic play that brings out the wistful romance of the narrative and exposes the absurdity that lies at the heart of the writing. I am delighted to be opening the 2015-16 performance season for Brown Theatre. There is a strong season ahead and we’re thrilled to be launching with this timeless and beautiful production.
The Seagull is produced by the Brown University Department of Theatre Arts and Performance Studies and by Sock & Buskin, the student-staff-faculty board that selects and runs the mainstage theatre season at Brown University. The Seagull runs October 1st through October 4th, and October 8th until October 11th. Performances at 8pm, Thursday to Saturday, Sunday matinees at 2pm. Tickets: $15 ($12 seniors, $7 students). For more information visit brown.edu/theatre. To book tickets, call (401) 863-2838, or visit the Box Office in the Leeds Theatre Lobby (83 Waterman St, Providence), Tuesday - Friday from 12pm - 4pm, or email boxoffice@brown.edu. To book online, visit: brown.edu/tickets.
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If you have any questions or to schedule an interview with Laura Rikard, please contact:
Paul Margrave, Marketing Coordinator
(401) 863-2730 / paul_margrave@brown.edu / brown.edu/theatre