The Seagull

Synopsis/Company

Written in 1896 this is a comic play of aspiration and failure. Nina aspires to be an actress, Kostya a writer. Madame Arkadina and Trigorin are already these things. Can the young people's dreams come true or will they sour when confronted with the adult world? This adaptation relocates the action to the roaring 1920's. The Bright Young Things have changed the mood in town fuelled by the boom of jazz, fashion and the arts, but on an estate in the country there is only a lake, and the people around it burn for something more. We intend to create a fresh, concise story for a modern audience who may not be familiar with the romantic and dramatic devices that Chekhov uses, whilst still retaining the feel and power of the original. We feel that placing the characters in this era adds further depth to Nina's yearning and Konstantin's desire to be different in addition to the needs and wants of all the other characters. The script will be edited to run straight through at no more than 90 minutes with minimal changes to the characters and plot. The casting of a younger Trigorin will be the only main change in the dynamic of the play, furthering his catalytic role amongst the characters.


Author Anton Chekhov. Company Black Coffee Theatre. Adapted by Luke Adamson. Director Jonathan Holby.