About This Event

Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull takes on new meaning in a Flemish Sign Language reimagining. Over a weekend in a country estate, Arkadina, a celebrated actress, and her playwright son, Konstantin, pursue their artistic and romantic ambitions amidst a complex web of melodramatic characters, generational differences and fatal misunderstandings. Belgian company Olympique Dramatique brings together a cast of deaf and hearing actors to reimagine Chekhov's story; some have signed since birth, while others are beginners. Exploring the inner turmoil when understanding and communication prove impossible, this production deftly challenges preconceived ideas about language. This UK premiere follows a critically acclaimed European tour, including the Dutch Theatre Festival, whose selection committee declared: ‘seldom has Chekhov had such an invigorating and multifaceted reinterpretation’. Championing actor-led direction, Olympique Dramatique reveals new depths to this iconic tragicomedy.

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