12. Madách International Theatre Meeting

"The Seagull" is an enigmatic work of open structure. The creators need to take the risk of descending into the darkest areas of the material and then, remain amazed by the richness, multiple dimensions and complexity of Chekhov's work. Again, however, descending to the core of the material is not enough. The work needs to be "read" in such a way that allows both rooting at the core and revealing all the transversal paths of the text. In The Seagull, Chekhov invites creators to join him in the textual trajectories and throughout the adventure of mining the precious metals of the material. You can't help but listen and respond positively to this call.

Chekhov's works are works of transition. They are written at times when an entire world is about to collapse and a new world is beginning to show the first sparks of its birth. Again, however, final redemption does not come. The intricate questions about the human condition remain stubbornly unanswered. In Chekhov we see the conflict between existence and history. This conflict deregulates attitudes, perverts desire, and disengages the emotions and thoughts of persons. The question "Who am I? What am I?" that Trebliev addresses to himself as a whisper, sounds deafening and concerns all of us.

Who is the human in times of transition, where nothing can continue as it was, nothing can remain stagnant and nothing can proceed without a leap towards a utopian horizon to defend the “humaneness” inside humans?

Extracts from reviews

“With David Maltese's excellent translation from the Russian, the adaptation and direction of Savvas Stroumpos at Attis Theatre - New Space with Zero Point Theatre "launch" the "Seagull" in height […] The direction "embroidered" on the dynamics of the transformation, giving new life to the old and a flavor of the old to the new.” (Leandros Polenakis, Avgi Newspaper)

“The direction of Savvas Stroumpos, the teaching and performance of the actors (Anna Marka Bonisel - Pierrot, Yannis Karababas - Trepliev, Elpiniki Marapidi - Nina, Rosy Monaki - Arkadina, Savvas Stroumpos - Trigorin) are literally overwhelming.” (Maria Mari, In2Life.gr)

“To put it succinctly, the performance was simply amazing! The performance of the choreography-direction by Savvas Stroumpos was brilliant and the narration of the actors was excellent. The performances were spot explained Chekhov's brilliant idea vividly. A unique performance that makes the audience feel part of a "living" documentary.” (Eirini Aivaliotou, CatisArt.gr)