DePauw Theater presents Chekhov’s 'The Seagull'

Under the direction of DePauw Theater faculty, a cast and crew of DePauw University students will perform Anton Chekhov’s iconic 1895 work, “The Seagull,” in Moore Theater on April 20-23.

Courtesy photo

The DePauw University Theater Department will bring the work of turn-of-the-20th-century Russian playwright Anton Chekhov to present-day Indiana with a performance of “The Seagull.”

Translated by Tom Stoppard, “The Seagull” is a play exploring the dynamic and dramatic lives of writers and actresses. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on April 20-22 and at 3 p.m. April 23 in Moore Theater in the Green Center for Performing Arts.

Written in 1895, the play is considered to be the first of Chekhov’s four major works. Set in a Bohemian estate of a bygone era, romantic and artistic conflict grow between four characters — a famous middle-of-the-road author, an unworldly young actress, an aging has-been actress and her son, a quixotic tortured playwright.

“The Seagull” is as much a heartbreaking romance where its characters struggle to keep or lose touch with their pasts as it is a satirical comedy, poking fun at high society’s melodramatic world of trivialities and self-delusion.

The work of Anton Chekhov stands out among centuries of writers. Professor Caroline Good, who is directing the play, identifies “a resonating connection with voices from today and yesterday.”

Chekhov turned away from star-focused courtly tales to look at the normal everyday lives of ordinary people. Like many modern creatives, Chekhov pushed the boundaries of art in his time, participating in and redefining the nature of written and performed stories.

In “The Seagull,” he explores and experiments with new art forms, reaching for the undiscovered possibilities of art, theater and writing. Good believes, “what Chekhov was getting at was the heart of art.”

In the face of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Chekhov’s quintessential exploration and expression of humanity takes on new importance.

“Whether we’re Russian, Ukrainian, American, South American, from the Global South, Global North, Western, Eastern, I think we need to really connect to the human element that we all share,” Good said.

The production is coming together behind the scenes.

“It already draws me in when I’m just there in rehearsal,” stage manager Madeline Humphreys said.

The cast and crew are well on their way to creating what Good calls “a beautiful, funny, touching and tender performance for people.” With this show, DePauw’s theater program continues to advance students’ education through participation in excellent performance. For the audience, this production provides entertainment, education and personal enrichment.

“It’s a cool frickin’ show, man,” Humphreys said.

“The Seagull” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.: www.concordtheatricals.com.