“The role of the artist is to ask questions, not answer them.”
This famous quote from Russian playwright Anton Chekhov is a good indicator of how he viewed storytelling. Chekhov stated the role of the artist in countless quotes—why we make it, why it is important, and how it inexplicably connects to our humanity. Written in 1895, his play, “The Seagull,” is his tribute to these questions, and it continues to captivate artists and audiences alike more than 100 years later.
Chekhov changed theater when he wrote “The Seagull.” By having the courage to create a play in which seemingly nothing happens, he urged his audience to focus deeper within themselves for truth, rather than allowing external elements, like sword fights and dance numbers, to guide them. In doing so, feelings became actions and true action was no longer needed. As a result, the play transcends the ordinary and becomes intimate and engaging. Chekhov opened the door for artists to become more personal with their work by creating characters who are real to the world in which they live.
There is a perception that art is a hobby that one simply takes up out of enjoyment, but Chekhov fundamentally disagreed. In “The Seagull,” Chekhov created characters who are bounded to art and creating, so much so that it hurts them.
In an odd way, “The Seagull” is a story of hope. When detailing the events of the play, you wouldn’t think so. Many characters are miserable and locked in unhealthy patterns. The play even ends [spoiler] in a suicide.
While these aspects are all things Chekhov explicitly states, the greater importance is in the subtext. Thomas Weaver, associate artistic director at Gamut Theatre and the director of this show, says that this is what draws both actors and audiences to the play.
“For actors, it’s what he doesn’t write that fascinates us,” Weaver said. “Chekhov does a wonderful job of telling us that we must create and trusts us to figure out why.”
Beyond what Chekhov overtly expresses, he also implies that one of the most important parts of life is letting yourself be free of the things that hold you back. The seagull in the play symbolizes being unable to draw away from things that hurt you, but it also suggests the tremendous potential for freedom. The play connects to human experience in that it touches on unconditional and irrational love, being true to oneself, societal status and even addiction. Weaver believes that this is what makes it accessible to audiences.
“We realize the powerlessness that we have, and, when we come to that realization, it’s actually quite empowering,” he said.
Although Chekhov leaves us with questions, he is sure to give us enough clues to find the answers. By trusting his audience—giving us the power to interpret his story on our terms as it pertains to our lives—his play is successful.
There is, of course, a cost to creating—a cost to art and a cost to love. Chekhov details these costs repeatedly, but, when a character from the play says, “It’s so hard being in your play… there are no living characters,” Chekhov not only communicates what we all must give away of ourselves but also what we must keep. He presents a universally relatable conflict, and, in his world where the reality is so contained, it is up to us to figure out the truth in breaking free, like the seagull.
“The Seagull” plays March 12 to 26 at the new Gamut Theatre located at 15 N. 4th St., Harrisburg. The cast features Tara Herweg-Mann, J.C. Payne, Jeff Luttermoser, Amber Wagner Mann and J. Clark Nicholson. For more information, visit gamuttheatre.org or call 717-238-4111.
MARCH
THEATRE EVENTS
AT HARRISBURG’S PROFESSIONAL
DOWNTOWN THEATRES
Through March 5
Popcorn Hat Players present
“STONE SOUP”
at Gamut Theatre
Wednesday and Thursday at 10 a.m.
Saturday at 1 p.m.
Tickets: $8
GamutTheatre.org
March 9 & March 10
2016 Studio Workshop Showcase
presents an evening of scenes
from the comedies of Neil Simon
7:30 p.m. at Open Stage of Harrisburg
Free admission
March 12 at 2 p.m.
Open Stage of Harrisburg presents
“THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK”
at Whitaker Center
Tickets: openstagehbg.com
March 12-26
Anton Chekhov’s
“THE SEAGULL”
Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.
Sundays at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets at GamutTheatre.org
March 29 & March 31
Open Auditions for
“THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR”
More info at GamutTheatre.org