Review: Elements Theatre Collective Presents STUPID FUCKING BIRD

Though written over a century ago, The Seagull, Anton Chekhov's play about May-December relationships and the border between personal and artistic identity, continues to be an appealing vehicle for dramatic representation of the existential crisis. The characters struggle with how they're perceived, whether or not they're appreciated, and whether or not they'll be remembered; and agonize over their abilities and failures to eclipse their predecessors--all of which concepts remain relatable to the modern audience. Yet, as we move deeper into the information age, the cultural accessibility of the early twentieth century becomes strained. Aaron Posner's Stupid f-ing Bird (produced by Elements Theatre Collective) offers a contemporized version of The Seagull that cuts the distracting frippery of a bygone era, bringing the essentials of Chekhov's work into sharp focus through a modern lens. Stupid f-ing Bird, which runs this weekend and next at various locations throughout Santa Barbara, is a self-aware, fourth-wall-indifferent show with a wicked sense of humor.

Angsty Conrad (Steven Armstrong) hides his sensitive nature in a shroud of patience lost with his aloof, perpetually unimpressed film-star mother, Emma (Anne Torsiglieri); Emma's lover, Trigorin (Brian Harwell), who's presence reminds Conrad of his inferiority as a writer and priority in his mother's life; and his flighty, fresh-faced girlfriend, Nina (Tadja Enos), who harbors an adolescent attraction to Trigorin. Conrad presents a play he's written to his family, along with Uncle Sorn (Michael Bernard), cousin Mash (Terry Li), and Mash's sorta-kinda-boyfriend, Dev (Jason Bowe). Emma finds the performance, which stars Nina, ridiculous, flaring up a familiar argument between mother and son. Resentment builds as romance between Nina and Trigorin blooms; meanwhile, gothy, glowering Mash yearns for Conrad--but doesn't completely ignore advances from nice-guy Dev.

The utilitarian locations Elements temporarily converts into theatrical spaces give this production a bare-bones aesthetic that further blurs the barrier between audience and production; and smart, admittedly self-regarding characters are portrayed by actors who do diligence to both the Posner characters and their analogous Chekhov character. Directed by Risa Brainin, Elements' production of Stupid f-ing Bird is stylish and satisfying, and feels incredibly current.

Elements Theatre Collective Presents:

Stupid f-ing Bird
Directed by Risa Brainin

http://www.elementstc.org

Friday: July 14th @ 8:00 PM and Saturday: July 15th @ 8:00 PM
Boone Graphics
70 South Kellogg Avenue, Goleta

Sunday: July 16th @ 7:00 PM
Carpinteria Women's Club
1059 Vallecito Road, Carpinteria

Friday: July 21nd @ 8:00 PM
Orfalea Center
1221 Chapala Street

Saturday: July 22nd @ 7:00 PM
Maravilla
5486 Calle Real, Goleta

Sunday: July 23rd @ 7:00 PM
Orfalea Center
1221 Chapala Street