(Virtual) Seagull

Stacked with an ALL ensemble cast, we embark on a new virtual journey with this extraordinarily funny and magical adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull. Ten actors, one director and a stage manager—spread across the country but connected through Zoom—wrestle with the eternal questions that haunt the intellectual artist class: What is Love? What is Art? And where’s the MUTE button!

We've never done this before; it's raw and gritty... it's heartfelt and sincere. This surprisingly intimate “table” reading allows you to get closer than ever before to the magic of our ensemble.

A table reading is generally attended only by people involved in the production. It is often the first time that the script has had a life beyond the written word, and it is an opportunity to get at least a partial insight into the way the actors may approach their roles. Through this member-exclusive virtual read-through event, our ensemble offers an insider’s peek into this important part of a play’s process. Join us as we navigate this new way of connecting with you. Shall we say, it’s “behind the screen”?

The story of Seagull is deeply meaningful to us, wrestling as it does with generational battles about not just the meaning of art but its necessity at all. It’s a compassionate and loving examination of both the futility and necessity of longing in our lives. Come with us to a giant country house filled to overflow on a long summer weekend in the Russian countryside. Wrap yourself in a blanket, grab a cup of tea, a glass of wine or, better yet, a long shot of chilled vodka—we want to share this with you.

STREAMING AVAILABLE MAY 14 – 27, 2020

On May 14, all members will receive an email from Steppenwolf with their unique login username and password, as well as viewing instructions. This login information will grant you access to ONE viewing session of this exclusive virtual reading event in its entirety. If you would like to see more detailed login instructions, click here.

If you would like to update your email address on file or request additional logins for members of your party without an email address on file, please contact Audience Services at customerservice@steppenwolf.org or 312-335-1650. We look forward to bringing this rarely shared content to you and connecting in this unprecedented way!

LOGIN NOW

Ensemble member Yasen Peyankov describes his personal history with The Seagull, how it spurred his urge to direct and the moment he fell in love with playwright Anton Chekhov. Peyankov says, "I got instantly sucked into this world of unrequited love, passions large and small, misguided desires and regrets—where all the characters want so much, walking a fine line between the epic and the pathetic." 

WATCH VIDEO

Learn all about the characters in Seagull, as well as the ensemble members who are playing them. You'll also hear more from Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro on why this story is deeply meaningful to us—and why this is the perfect time to share this play with you.

READ THE PROGRAM

Shake up your own craft concoction and savor it while watching this streamed event. The opening line of Seagull—"Why are you always in black?"—inspired this blackberry-infused cocktail.

• 2oz – vodka 
• .5oz – lemon juice
• .5oz – simple syrup
• 4 blackberries
• bubbly of your choice (e.g., seltzer, club soda, tonic)

In a glass, add lemon juice, simple syrup and blackberries. Lightly crush the blackberries to release their juice. Add ice and vodka then top off with bubbly. Give it a stir and enjoy!

Grand Sponsors
Ameriprise Financial
Rich and Margery Feitler
Marian and Fruman Jacobson
The Orlebeke Foundation
John Hart and Carol Prins
Matthew Shapiro
John and Carol Walter

Individual Sponsors
Leigh and Henry Bienen
Douglas R. Brown Playwright/Director Endowment Fund
Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation
Bob and Amy Greenebaum
Abby and David Kohl
Laurie Anne Kladis
Harry Seigle
Colette Cachey Smithburg and Tom Smithburg