Chekhov, please

Thursday, Jan. 8

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Imagine a show combining the smart comedy of “Frasier” with all of the backbiting and name-calling of “Desperate Housewives.” This is the vision director Alex Freeman brings to Riverwalk Theaters production of Anton Chekhov’s “The Sea Gull.”

“There is a perception that Chekhov is boring,” Freeman said. “This play is not that.”

The play centers around four characters: Story writer Boris Trigorin, ingnue Nina Zarechnaya, fading actress Irina Arkadina and playwright Konstantin Trplyev. The story begins with the characters meeting at a lakeside estate to view an experimental theater production written by Konstantin.

This gathering blossoms into a tangled web of romance, intrigue and unrequited love. As the story develops, Chekhov reveals a deep sense of dissatisfaction in his characters’ lives. Some desire love, some desire success and others desire artistic genius, but all are unable to achieve happiness.

Despite the depressing arc of the story, Freeman said Chekhov sprinkles comedy into the dark subject matter.

“It’s really funny, but it’s a smart comedy,” he said. Chekhov’s script is loaded with incisive wit as well as a clever subtext, inviting the viewer to complete the punch line.

While Chekov is considered one of the greatest writers of the 19th century, his career as a playwright almost ended after the disastrous premiere of “The Sea Gull.” The 1896 performance was heartily booed by the audience, and the rejection led Chekhov to temporarily give up writing for the theater. Two years later the play was revived by the Moscow Art Theatre, despite Chekhov’s initial resistance to the idea. This time, the play was a resounding success and was praised by critics. This renewed Chekhov’s faith in theater, and he went on to write three more plays.

The play-within-a-play construct in “The Sea Gull” also allows Chekhov to wrestle with complex artistic ideas. When the viewer sees Konstantin trying to create a new form of symbolist theater, it is easy to draw parallels to Chekov as a pioneer of literary modernism.

Bringing a work as complex as “The Sea Gull” to the stage is a significant undertaking, but Freeman is up to the challenge.

“It’s always thrilling to be able to tackle one of the classics of modern theater,” he said. Freeman’s attention to detail can be seen even in the careful approach to the title. While most versions of the play condense seagull to one word, the Jean-Claude van Itallie translation used in this production splits the word into two.

While “The Sea Gull” is originally set in a grand Russian estate at the end of the 19th century, Freeman’s production refuses to be anchored in a specific time or place. Taking a symbolist approach to set design, he has chosen elements that blend past and present. He even evokes the American South, which is not as distant as the geography would indicate.

“Both Russia and America were about 30 years removed from freeing their slaves,” he explains. “Russian estates, like American plantations, were trying to find a new economic path.”

Freeman has put together a formidable cast led by Sineh Wurie (Boris), Amelia Rogocka (Nina), Deborah Keller (Irina) and Joe Dickson (Konstantin).

This production is a homecoming for Freeman. A native of Holt, Freeman began his theater career with the Riverwalk Theatre as an actor in 2005. Since then he has acted in productions by the Scioto Society and Theatre Ensemble of Nashville. Freeman, who is pursuing an MFA in directing at Western Illinois University, where he lives, said he relishes the opportunity to return to the stage where he got his start.

“I love this space,” he said. “It is one of the most versatile and intimate theater spaces in Lansing.”

—TY FORQUER

“The Sea Gull”

Riverwalk Theatre 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8; 8 p.m. Friday Jan. 9 & Saturday Jan. 10; 2 p.m. Sunday, January 11 (continues Jan. 15-18) $15/12 seniors & students Friday-Sunday; $10/8 seniors & students 228 Museum Drive, Lansing (517) 482-6700, riverwalktheatre.com


SATURDAY, JAN. 10 >> GAMMAGEDDEN

Gamers of all varieties are invited to meet up at the Green Union for a celebration of gaming culture. Some gaming systems will be available, but experienced gamers are encouraged to bring their own gaming laptops. There will be fun for non-digital gamers as well; tabletop game enthusiasts are invited to bring their own games and gear. The event will also feature a swap meet where gamers can buy, sell or trade used gear, as well as a live video game tournament. The Green Union is a nonprofit focused on strengthening the community through arts, education and entertainment. 1-8 p.m. FREE. 1200 Marquette St., Lansing. thegreenunionmi.org.

MONDAY, JAN. 12 >> PROJECT 60/50 FILM SERIES PRESENTS ´CRASH´

A joint program with East Lansing Public Library and Michigan State University’s Project 60/50, this film series explores issues of racial healing in America. Project 60/50 refers to two landmarks of civil rights in America: The desegregation of public schools in 1954, and the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; these events occurred 60 and 50 years ago, respectively. Project 60/50 has partnered with community members and organizations to host events that look back on the progress we have made and plot a course for the future. This program will feature a showing of the 2006 Academy Award-winning film “Crash,” followed by a discussion led by MSU Professor Dorinda Carter Andrews. 6:30-9 p.m. FREE. East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road, East Lansing. (517) 351-2420, elpl.org.

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