The Court Theatre Presents THE SEAGULL, 5/15-6/12

The Court Theatre presents THE SEAGULL, opening Saturday, May 15 and running thru Saturday, June 12. Written by Anton Chekhov, THE SEAGULL follows a successful actress on holiday at her brother's country estate with her son, an aspiring writer, lover and her friends. Chekhov follows their lives as passions and dreams entwine in a world of beauty, cruelty and humanity.

"Anton Chekhov is second only to Shakespeare", says Elric Hooper, director of The Court Theatre's production of THE SEAGULL. "Before THE SEAGULL, Chekhov was known mostly as a successful short-story writer who dabbled in playwriting," says Hooper. "THE SEAGULL was the first of what are commonly referred to as his 'four great plays'; the plays that sustain his stature in modern theatre".

The Court Theatre's production is a lauded translation by Tom Stoppard, an acclaimed playwright in his own right. "Stoppard's translation captures the wit and humanity of Chekhov brilliantly," says Hooper, "the play has a champagne lightness but loses none of its pathos".

It has been 114 years since THE SEAGULL was first staged in Russia, and 28 years since it was last staged at The Court. Hooper believes that "the layers and details in the script means that each generation can see itself uniquely reflected in this masterpiece."

Performances: 6pm Monday / Thursday; 7:30pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday (no show Sundays). 2pm matinee Saturday 22 May.

Tickets: Adults $45, Senior Citizens $38, Tertiary Students $26, School Children $15,  Group discount (20+) $36, Matinee $29 (22 May only)

Bookings: The Court Theatre, 20 Worcester Boulevard; 963 0870 or www.courttheatre.org.nz