THE SEAGULL

The Seagull was written in 1895 and first produced in 1896 It dramatises the romantic and artistic conflicts between four characters: the ingenue Nina, the fading actress Irina Arkadina, her son the symbolist playwright Konstantin Treplov, and the famous middlebrow story writer Boris Trigorin.

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Kate Gaul directs this pacy and very modern adaptation of Chekhov's first great play (in a new version by Christopher Hampton) which lays bare its comedy and its cruelty. Whether it's love, sex, fame, or simply a trip into town, each character is denied the thing they most crave.  This is an extraordinary cast who have come together to explore this ordinary group of people going about the business of life and love.

 “It’s exciting to have such an experienced cast of actors working alongside the talent of those new to the profession. As the characters explore their own hopes and dreams we are reminded of our own fears and failings, the inexorable passage of time and the bitter sweet fragility of human life.  I am bowled over by the sheer comic beauty of this play in which Chekhov focuses on the obsessions that drive artists and the tragedy of despair.  The play was radical in its day and I hope that we will expose its revolutionary force in our very contemporary interpretation.”  Kate Gaul 

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WHAT THE CRITICS SAID: 

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"This seagull soars...... ambitious and beautifully realized ... Sydney theatre-going is all the richer for this production."  Diana Simmonds

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"Kate Gaul directs a strong revival of the play and gives us with a stunning interpretation of the play’s final scenes." Sydney Arts Guide

"There is a guarantee with Kate Gaul’s work- that it will be a polished and professional piece of work. A director with more runs on the board than any other woman of her generation, a passionate advocate for emerging theatre artists- a tireless jobbing director- Gaul has already had a busy year… and it is not over yet. Gaul carries with her a gravitas that draws close some of the most respected and remarkable artists of the independent and mainstream theatre. Her work is always handsome. Always finessed. Always clear and confident....

... this is a show definitely worth the ticket price- the performances are generous, intelligent and take big risks- especially in a town (and theatre community) brimming with actors who have experienced a good practical dose of Chekhov at their respective drama schools… and all those who have a favourite/opinion on “how” Chekhov is to be “done.”

Gaul’s production is smartly constructed, impressive and taut. It is unsentimental- straight forward and clear- whilst maintaining its elegance and the charm of self-referential flattery."  Augusta Supple

 "Kate hasn't tried to overly complicate this production, which was good because it let the quality of the acting shine." Sydney blogspot

 "... this is a warmly played and prettily mounted production..." Jason Blake 

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Check out this interview with Director Kate Gaul: http://www.stagenoise.com

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