By Elyse Trevers
Who knows better about the process and pain of writing than a writer himself? In his classic work “The Seagull,” Anton Chekhov uses two pairs of characters to provide insight into the creative process as well as the emotional angst of the artist. An older actress Arkadina and her lover Trigorin, a noted writer, represent the establishment in contrast to the actress’s son Konstantine, a would-be writer and his girlfriend, Nina, a lovely ingénue who yearns to be an actress. All the action occurs in Arkadina’s summer home, a Russian estate, where she holds court like a queen.
The drama concerns a series of relationships; often, it is a chain of unrequited loves. Each character is yearning for one who is in love with someone else, so most of the characters are unhappy people. In between their pursuit of one another, some produce their art. In their despair, a few of the characters make decisions that inalterably change or end their lives. Despite some excellent performances and philosophical ideas, The Seagull is not for every viewer. The recent revival at the Walter Kerr Theatre is absorbing but slow moving. “The Seagull” is a wordy play, running three hours; some of Chekhov’s speeches feel interminable. Often the silences, long pauses for effect, become more meaningful and profound than the speeches themselves.
Kristin Scott Thomas plays Arkadina, an attractive woman and a diva who realizes that her star is fading. Thomas is eye- catching. Even when others are speaking or when Nina is performing, Thomas is always the focal point with the slightest gesture or nuance. As the vain Arkadina, she commands the stage, no matter what else or who else is on it. She is marvelous as the imperious character who is unwilling to relinquish attention even to her only son.
The women of the cast give the strongest performances. Carey Mulligan gives a fine portrayal of Nina, the pretty blonde actress. She is bubbly, naïve and ingenuous. At first she is fresh and bright-eyed, glowing with life and enthusiasm. She manages to subtly suggest pain that harsh experiences have brought her. The character who’s the most fun is Zoe Kazan as Masha. Kazan, a young American actress, is always in black. She is dour and mournful like a Charles Addams character. With a depressive personality and a high-pitched, artificial voice, she is a cartoonlike, yet strangely entertaining in a mournful play. When she realizes that she will never win Kontantin’s love, she marries the young man who has been relentlessly pursuing her. Despite her doting husband, (Pearce Quigley who plays the accommodating doormat of a spouse) Kazan always moves as if burdened by her unrequited love.
As Trigorin, Peter Sarsgaard, one of the few Americans in the mostly British cast, is too weak to be an impressive character. Although Nina is strongly attracted to him and runs off with him, one must wonder why because he doesn’t seem to have any sex appeal and, in fact, seems effeminate. Sarsgaard makes his character smug and cocky and uses large hand gestures, painting the air.
The play received acclaim for the production at Royal Court Theatre in England. It became a sold-out smash hit and the biggest selling production in the Royal Court’s 50 year history. Ian Rickson directed the play and has directed the US version as well. The Seagull features a new translation written by playwright Christopher Hampton (“Les Liaisons Dangereuses,” “The Philanthropist”). “The Seagull,” written in 1895, was the first master work by Anton Chekhov and is considered on the theater’s best plays about the nature of writing.
If you go the theater to be entertained and amused, then “The Seagull” is not for you. The drama consists of long speeches and little action. Most of the characters are cerebral and do a great deal of philosophizing. For some, this play would be difficult to enjoy in the evening after a long day at work. However, if you go to the theater to thrill at fine acting and listen to provocative ideas about the arts, then this revival might work for you. The 14-week limited engagement will continue through December 21.
