SHSU theatre to premiere new translation of "Seagull"

Anton Chekhov’s “Seagull,” a play filled with love and longing among an ensemble of characters in 19th century Russia, is the latest show by the Sam Houston State University Theatre Department is putting on “Seagull” by Anton Chekhov in the Showcase Theatre in the University Theatre Center. The show will run every day at 8 p.m. from Wednesday through Saturday with a 2 p.m. matinee showing on Saturday.

SHSU production of “Seagull” will be the world premiere of this translation by Marina Brodskaya.

According to Professor Maureen McIntyre, director of “Seagull”, the second time the play was produced by Konstantin Stanislavsky, it was a huge success. Stanislavski created the realistic acting styles that are used today with this play.

“It’s exciting for students to see how the way they act today was created,” McIntyre said.

“Seagull” is about finding happiness through art, love and friendship, and is set in late 1890s Russia.

There is a cast of 13 people, four set changes as well as four costume changes.

The costumes are extravagant. The women wear beautiful gowns and gloves while the men wear suits and ties with nice overcoats.

The sets include items from Russia such as coats, rugs, Russian dolls and silk. There will also be real coffee, tea and eggs. The backdrops of the scenes are abstract, meaning the whole object isn’t represented but the audience can tell what it is.

According to McIntyre the play is different because the actors will not always be facing the audience.  This is also different from recent SHSU plays because it is heavy in character development.

McIntyre says the play is humorous, touching and dramatic all at once.  She also says the play is conversational and will be easy for the audience to follow.

“I think people will like it because everyone gets to the point of saying, ‘Will you love me?’” McIntyre said. 

Tickets for “Seagull” are $10 and are available at University Theatre Center Showcase Theatre UTC Box Office at (936) 294-1339.