The Seagull (The Instigators) NYC Reviews and Tickets

75%

(39 Reviews)

Positive

79%

Mixed

21%

Negative

Members say

Ambitious, Entertaining, Great writing, Slow, Absorbing

About the Show

The Instigators tackle Chekhov's classic in an imaginative production featuring a new adaptation of the text and a live soundscape that blends actor-created sound effects with original music.

'The Seagull' is about a family of theater artists and the month-long sojourn in the country that transforms their lives forever. Konstantin, a young and idealistic playwright, dreams of creating new art forms, but a visit from his famous actress-mother and her famous writer-boyfriend overwhelms and demoralizes him. He feels more and more suffocated as his love for the star-struck neighbor girl grows increasingly unrequited. With humor and keen insight, 'The Seagull' exposes the absurdity of the human condition, and the poignancy of the need to live an extraordinary life.

Member Reviews (39)

Absorbing, Great writing, Scrappy, Thought-provoking, Slow

See it if you're interested in low-budget theatre that doesn't compromise heart or passion. This is art for art's sake--theatre in its purest form.

Don't see it if you don't care for Chekhov or heavy themes, or you're close-minded to shows that don't contain special effects and glitzy production values.

Ambitious, Great staging, Great writing, Immersive, Mixed acting

See it if You want to see a new translation of a classic play in an immersive setting. You want to support a young theatre company.

Don't see it if You want a company that's more equally trained in classical theatre -a few good ones, & a few in a more developmental stage. Read more

Absorbing, Great acting, Resonant, Thought-provoking, Entertaining

See it if You've never seen it before

Don't see it if You don't get Chekov.

Entertaining, Uneven acting, Ambitious, Slow

See it if You love Chekov and like to see many different types of productions, and are interested in supporting low-budget theatre.

Don't see it if You only like well-polished productions & highly skilled actors, and aren't willing to give a theatre company a chance to spread its wings.

Entertaining, Great writing, Quirky, Dated

See it if you enjoy Chekhov; an entertaining production in a small box theater; some uneven performances

Don't see it if a dated play; some difficult staging choices; hard folding chairs for 2 1/2 hour play;

Ambitious, Entertaining, Refreshing

See it if you wish to see Chekhov without frills and in a way that respects the text.

Don't see it if you prefer to watch name actors or don't want to sit on chairs. Read more

Uneven acting

See it if you enjoy uneven acting.

Don't see it if you can't put up with uncomfortable seating options.

Overrated, Excruciating, Disappointing, Confusing

See it if You don’t have a problem burning up because of lack of ac . This really affected being able to enjoy the show . I felt so bad for the actors

Don't see it if You don’t have too because summer is here and the theater will just get hotter .

Critic Reviews (5)

"The production that promised an immersive experience essentially delivered a traditional staging of the show with an audience sitting in the round...There is nothing particularly wrong about the production, in fact it’s not half bad (Kristen Vaughan’s Arkadina is quite delicious) but it’s not in any way immersive, and as such to give it a positive notice would be unfair. Perhaps the young theatre company will provide what they promise in the future."
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"The Instigators hit the mark in some aspects of this charming production, but there are some inconsistencies in the interpretation of subtext and the direction of the piece...While Meredith has used the full space to her advantage, Chekhov’s subtext is heavily misinterpreted...The majority of the actors fluctuate between natural and over-the-top...Despite its flaws, this production is an engaging adaptation of Chekhov’s famous play. The themes and overall sensation of the play are just right."
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"The Instigators’ adaptation uses immersive elements to enhance and punctuate both large and small moments...The small, informal space of the Access Theater gives the feeling of sitting in someone’s living room, but it doesn’t lend itself to a real immersive experience...Still, there are nice moments...The Instigators’ immersive experience is subtler and gentler than Artaud’s or Punchdrunk’s. Perhaps that’s OK for Chekhov, though, who is a subtle and gentle playwright."
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"Billed as an immersive production, but without a hint of immersion, this production needs stronger direction, and nuance where there is currently none. Though there are moments and performances worth praising, the ensemble is, for the most part, emotionally monotonous at a level of excessive intensity. This makes for a long two-plus hours spent with characters for whom one ultimately has little sympathy."
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"Lillian Meredith keeps the pace brisk, and she elicits acting from this fine troupe that is compelling...Each of these actors creates a character who is true to the spirit of Chekhov - passionate, troubled, and disconnected in some way from others, from the world, and from themselves...This is a production filled with passion and pathos...This adaptation invites us to revisit this familiar work with fresh eyes."
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