Chekov
Last night, i went to the ART to see their rendition of "The Seagull" by Anton Chekov. I saw it in London 6 years ago (!) and was by far my favorite play that I saw while there. Up until recently, i remembered the mood and a few of the characters, but not so much what happened... but still regarded it as one of my favorite plays, if not my favorite. I read in the playbill last night that this was part of ART's four year project to do a Chekov each season but stripping it of the traditional austerity and bombastic quality and bring out the humor in the writing. Now, i like the humor of Chekov, but the reason i liked the play in the first place was because it was so dramatic and moody. The roles of Konstantine and Masha were played with less elegance and more teen angst in this production which frequently took me out of the story. I couldnt help but be annoyed the same way i have been with Claire on Six Feet Under. The humor was certainly brought to the forefront and i adapted pretty quickly.
This time around, Trigorin the older writer was my favorite, whereas previously i was more interested in Constantine, Masha and Nina. Sure the playing up the angst is part of it, but also when i saw it the first time, i was 20 and recently heartbroken. The younger characters brooding over unrequited love was more easily relate-able. Trigorin reminded me of a Woody Allen character- talented, at times plagued by his talent and easily distracted by young women.
Afterwards, i was waiting at the bus stop for the infrequent 20 service, tipsy from the post-play drinks with friends when i got a message from Nick. He was down at Berbati's listening to some bands and told me i had to come down. The bus wasnt coming for another 25 minutes so i walked down to the club, payed the $5 cover, bought a $4 beer and yelled over the music for 50 minutes. It was not the best money-related decision i have made lately.
This time around, Trigorin the older writer was my favorite, whereas previously i was more interested in Constantine, Masha and Nina. Sure the playing up the angst is part of it, but also when i saw it the first time, i was 20 and recently heartbroken. The younger characters brooding over unrequited love was more easily relate-able. Trigorin reminded me of a Woody Allen character- talented, at times plagued by his talent and easily distracted by young women.
Afterwards, i was waiting at the bus stop for the infrequent 20 service, tipsy from the post-play drinks with friends when i got a message from Nick. He was down at Berbati's listening to some bands and told me i had to come down. The bus wasnt coming for another 25 minutes so i walked down to the club, payed the $5 cover, bought a $4 beer and yelled over the music for 50 minutes. It was not the best money-related decision i have made lately.