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July 11^th:  The Seagull, By Anton Chekov, adapted by Jane Guyer & Kathy Curtiss updated translation from Renaissance Now Theatre & Film, Free to the Public

Renaissance Now Theatre & Film presents an original adaptation of Chekhov’s The Seagull, FREE to the public, at The Covey Brinton Black Box on July 11^th at 7:30 pm.  The modern adaptation, updates names and location, in a new translation that is true to the Chekhov, while examining modern resonance of these iconic characters. This is a fully staged reading as the actors move between the idyllic outdoor environment to their lodge in the woods.  The production features an exceptional gathering of talent, to explore the rich imaginative text, as well as the deeper human content.  Company Artistic Director, Kathy Curtiss directs.

The event is free to the public.  Suggested Donations of $5 student and $10 General can be submitted here.  Parking available for the Covey Theatre on the street in Provo, or behind the theatre off 100 South.  The Play begins promptly at 7:30pm pm with a discussion to follow after the performance.

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FULL PRESS RELEASE

Renaissance Now Theatre & Film presents an original adaptation of Chekhov’s The Seagull, FREE to the public, at The Covey Brinton Black Box on July 11^th at 7:30 pm.  The modern adaptation, updates names and location, in a new translation that is true to the Chekhov, while examining modern resonance of these iconic characters. This is a fully staged reading as the actors move between the idyllic outdoor environment to their lodge in the woods.  The production features an exceptional gathering of talent, to explore the rich imaginative text, as well as the deeper human content.   The play features Stephanie Breinholt & Adam Houghton as Arkadina and Trigorin, respectively.  These striking and famed artists are caught in a double love triangle as Arkadina’s brilliant but underrated writer son, Treplev (played by Austin Zimmerman) poses a challenge to Trigorin & Arkadina’s enduring artistic superiority.  In the midst of this, relationships are shifting unexpectedly, and in this play that Chekhov himself calls a “comedy” someone pulls out a gun.  The young love interest, aspiring actress, Nina is played by Sasha Hayd.  Dynamics in yet another double love triangle are played by Sonja Hugo, as Sasha; who loves Treplev, but is loved of Theo, played by Joshua Munoz:  Paulina played by Heather Shelley, likewise a creative spirit, is caught between the charismatic local Doctor, played by Steven Rimke and husband of her youthful wild days played by Reese Purser.  Arkadina’s brother, Sorin, is poignantly played by Joel Applegate, caught in the dynamics of a familial triangle with her and her son.  Rychard Curtiss reads Stage directions and the minor roles of Jakob & Clancy.   This summertime-set Chekhovian offering is a poem to celebrate the beauty of the human spirit despite profound challenges.  The beauty of the writing enlivens the senses as it shows the precious quality of nature’s effect on both art & inspiration.  The occasion that brings them together at a forest retreat, twice, becomes catalyst for what is revealed to be one of Chekhov’s most significant examinations of human relationships, passion, & love as well as the profound responsibility of the artist in their time.

This “free” adaptation is taken from an original translation of the text from the Russian.  Jane Guyer Fujita (Faculty at New York University, Russian-speaker), and Kathy Curtiss worked together on this adaptation some 10 years ago.  It was commissioned by The New York Drilling Company for New Works and played in workshop to an audience first, the following year sustaining a full production with a 3-week run at the New York Access Theatre.  This production was a modern American take on the play, setting the retreat in the Catskills.  Hamilton Clancy, artistic director of The Drill, commissioned Kathy to take a greater artistic leap with the content of the piece, while keeping the integrity of the Chekhovian original.  The result is what you see in this presentation.  This adaptation is also had a reading in New York in 2023, with Stephanie Breinholt playing with the New York cast.  This adaptation represents a quintessentially volatile era in American, in the late 1960’s, where the New York artists had strong artistic ties to the West Coast. Hence, while the home of the Arkadina & Trigorin is New York, their forest “retreat” where Arkadina shelters her son is in the shadow of the San Francisco culture, just south at Big Sur. The intent of the adaptation is to get a new look at a truly enduring classic; the stated goal of the company Renaissance Now “to illumine the classic text through a contemporary lens.”

The piece is directed by Kathy Curtiss, with Rychard Curtiss for lighting and sound design.  Special thanks to everyone at the Covey Theatre.  The performance is on Saturday, Sept 11 at 7:30 pm.  There is a discussion to follow the event, and all are invited to respond to both the play, performances, and adaptation.  The Covey Brinton Black Box Theatre is located at 425 W. Center street Provo Utah, 84601.  The performance is free to the public.  Further information at the website at  www.renaissancenow.com  , 917-225-7643, or contacting [email protected].