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Antaeus Company's The Seagull On Buzzine.com

ARTS REVIEW: THE SEAGULL

Antaeus Players Show Off Their Chops in Powerful Staging of Chekhov Classic

By: Sam Kellett

March 7, 2012

(Antaeus Theater Company) An intimate stage, a company of seasoned players, and humorous Russian tragedy. Such are the makings of an eventful evening. The Antaeus Company’s presentation of The Seagull takes theatre back to basics, opting for a stark stage and few set changes -- a decision allowing the audience to lend their full concentration to the players on stage. This straightforward style works particularly well for Chekhov, whose plays deal with character change and subtext rather than action, and whose work, in conjunction with the great Constantin Stanislavski, revolutionized a naturalistic approach for actors to take while working with the text of a play.

The Seagull centers on a country estate, where the famous actress, Arkadina (Laura Wernette), has come with her lover -- the famous novelist Trigorin (Bo Foxworth) -- to vacation away from city life. Arkadina’s son, Konstantin, lives on the estate, and the show opens with news that Konstantin will be showing his friends and family his new play -- an experimental play that stars the object of his affection, Nina (Abby Wilde). Sadly, Nina does not feel the same for Konstantin, nor does she understand or enjoy the new forms of theatre he is trying to create. And while Konstantin is focused solely on Nina, the daughter of the estate owner, Masha (Joanna Strapp), is hopelessly in love with him -- a feeling Konstantin does not share in the slightest. Finally, the local schoolteacher, Medvedenko (Bill Brochtup), is completely devoted to Masha, who proves, time and again, her lack of any interest in him. Other characters of note include Dorn (Kurtwood Smith) -- the world-wearied but wise doctor -- and Sorin (Michael McShane) -- Arkadina’s ailing brother who feels his life has been wasted and longs for a change of course as the end draws near.

All the makings of a wonderful comedy. Despite some moments of crushing despair, Chekhov himself described the play as a comedy, and this is a vision director Andrew Traister follows faithfully. The show is bitterly funny before approaching the tragedy of the final act. This levity works to strengthen the times of despair by providing a necessary contrast. The size of the stage is a boon to the audience, who is able to focus closely on the expressions on the actors' faces -- something important in a play so focused on character and subtext. The actors play well off each other and, as a mark of how accomplished they are, it is just as interesting watching the actors on stage who were not speaking as it was watching those engaged in dialogue. Joanna Strapp (Masha) stands out in this way, and it is difficult to look away from her whenever she is on stage. The quiet melancholy she puts into every scene was wonderful to see. In the same way, one of my favorite moments of the play is in the final act: Medvedenko is calmly shattered yet again by Masha’s words and actions, and for the rest of the lengthy scene, his eyes never leave Masha’s face, and his look of heartbreak is unblinking until he engages in dialogue once again -- an excellent moment from Bill Brochtup. Kurtwood Smith also stands out as Dorn, giving his character the composed grace needed to balance a show filled with such melodrama and calamity.

Overall, this is a show well worth your time. Traister’s Seagull is an intimate character study, and the staging and theatre space only enhance the many marvelous performances. If you’re looking to see powerful classical theatre, this show is a good one to "Chekhov"

your list.

Andrew Traister’s production of The Seagull has two casts, as well as several performances where the casts will be mixed.

The show plays at the Deaf West Theatre through April 15, 2012, with performances Thursday-Saturday at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m.