I recently watched a new version of Anton Chekhov’s “The Seagull” at Soulpepper Theatre in Toronto. A good presentation of a complex play. The director [Daniel Brooks] wrote in his programme notes, “I love [Chekhov’s] cheekiness and wit. And his tenderness, especially for those who yearn. I love him because he blames no one.” Those remarks by Brooks helped me to a new appreciation of “The Seagull”.
A bit earlier, I had read Ngaio Marsh’s 1980 mystery “Photo Finish”. One realizes that Marsh patterned her confused, erratic young opera composer after Chekov’s playwright in “The Seagull”. Thus another way to appreciate the two works. It is no coincidence: Marsh was very engaged with plays and performances in her books.
Happy reading, and Best Wishes, from Ken Roberts, 17-April-2023.