A classic Russian play dramatizing an artist's alienation from the world around him will be brought to life in a new -- and funnier -- form when the School of Drama presents its first production of the season Tuesday-Saturday, Nov. 11-15.
The production is based on Paul Schmidt's recently published translation of Anton Chekhov's "The Seagull," a play about "what it means to be an artist in a world that doesn't recognize or support your art," says the show's director, Mahayana Landowne, who has chosen the work as her thesis production. The new American translation of "The Seagull," she notes, seeks to further bring out the joy, light and life in Chekhov's world, and the comedy of everyday life.
Set in 1895 at a lakeside farm in Russia, "The Seagull" tells the story of Treplev, an unknown playwright searching for the approval of his mother, Arkadina, who is a famous actress, and Nina, the young actress he loves. Nina stars in his first play, which ends up being a disappointment to both Treplev and his audience.
Starring in "The Seagull" are (in alphabetical order) Sheryl Anderson as Arkadina, Tessa Auberjonois as Nina, Meg Brogan as Paulina, Daniel Conney as Sorin, Adrienne Dreiss as Masha, Jon Ecklund as Trigorin, Josh Foldy as Dorn, Joanna Glushak as the maid, Jim Hart as Yakov, David Koppel as Medvedenko, C.S. Lee as Treplev and Graham Shiels as Shamrayev.
Working together to recreate the look and feel of 19th-century Russia and the idyllic setting of Chekhov's play are set designer Adam Stockhausen, costume designer Lora Dole, lighting designer An-huei Tsao and sound designer Brian MacQueen. Also collaborating on the project are dramaturg Christopher de Haan, assistant director Annie Dorsen, stage manager Maureen C. Dunleavy and show administrator Amy Claves.
Shows will take place at the Yale Repertory Theatre, corner of Chapel and York streets, each night at 8 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, Nov. 11. Ticket prices are $8 for weekdays and $12 for weekend performances; student tickets are $8 for all performances. For further information or to charge tickets, call the Yale Rep box office at 432-1234.