Chekhov’s The Seagull, a new online version

Chekhov’s The Seagull, a new online version by Eli Kent and Eleanor Bishop, directed by Eleanor Bishop brings a landmark piece of theatre to the 21st century.

Chekhov's famous characters are reimagined with a Kiwi twist and congregate over Zoom. In a direct commentary of our world in lockdown, the characters are still searching for meaning in their lives while battling love, jealousy, dissatisfaction, dreams, hopes and plans - not to mention malfunctioning video calls! This drama all plays out in self-isolation and over virtual interactions with each other.

This retelling of Chekhov’s classic The Seagull is created by a brilliant artistic team and stellar cast, all from their own bubbles. Delivered in four 30 minute installments, the production is rehearsed, performed and broadcast all in the online space. The actors had just one week per episode to read the script, learn their lines and rehearse, ready to broadcast on Friday of that week.

All episodes are available to watch for free ​via Facebook and YouTube until 3 July.

Starring
Jennifer Ward-Lealand, Stephen Lovatt, Fasitua Amosa, Goretti Chadwick, Arlo Green, Bruce Phillips, Bronwyn Ensor, Mustaq Missouri, Nathalie Morris, Shadon Meredith

Creatives
Eleanor Bishop - Co-adapter and Director
Eli Kent - Co-adapter
Owen McCarthy - Video Designer: DOP
Jason Smith - Composer
Dan Williams - Production Designer

"Enjoy the as-ever compelling drama while embracing the differences in its delivery." - John Smythe, Theatreview
"The dialogue captures the play's essence while making it feel incredibly pertinent and local, aided by small details highlighting the eccentricities of lockdown life." - Ethan Sills, NZ Herald