Youthfulness, transformation and identity themes of Russian dramatic masterpiece

University Players has dedicated its production of The Seagull, March 1 to 11 at Essex Hall Theatre, to the late David French, a playwright and past UWindsor writer-in-residence.

French died in 2010; this production is his adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s masterpiece.

University Players logoThe play explores the artistic and romantic conflicts of four characters: a fading stage star; a minor celebrity; a jealous, unstable playwright ahead of his time; and a young girl infatuated with fame. Like the seagull which soared over their country estate, each aspires to take flight and escape on the wings of fame, fortune and love.

“This is a play about youthfulness, transformation and identity”, says director J.Ed Araiza. “Throughout the rehearsal process we’ve asked many questions about our identity which our production means to explore. This is the journey of rehearsal. We begin the longer journey when we try to answer them.”

Araiza is a writer, director and performer with New York’s SITI Company, an ensemble theatre company with a unique approach to the training of actors. The training encourages cast members to work together spontaneously and intuitively, generating bold theatrical work.

Wednesday through Saturday performances are at 8 p.m., Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. On Sunday, March 4, a “Talk Back” discussion with the director and actors will follow the performance. For information or tickets, call 519-253-3000, ext. 2808, or visit www.UniversityPlayers.com.