Seagullmachine

See it if you’d like to see a smart mash-up of 3 classics of dramatic literature, perpetrated by 1 of our prime theater collectives.

Don't see it if you are looking for a traditional production.

Also The Assembly’s “Seagullmachine” pays tribute to 3 theater classics even as it blows them up into something bigger. The mash-up rests on a nifty bit of association. Chekhov’s “Seagull” is steeped in “Hamlet,” beginning with Konstantin’s weird, wonderful play-within-a-play, the 2nd most famous in Western drama, after Hamlet’s. Konstantin’s relationship to his mother reenacts Hamlet’s & Gertrude’s; Nina plays fin-de-siècle Ophelia. Closer to our era there’s Heiner Mueller’s post-modernist “Hamletmaschine,” where a post-feminist Ophelia finds a voice for her rage. Here The Assembly presents a gripping, stripped down “Seagull,” going heavy on the Hamlet references, intruded by occasional taped snippets from Mueller’s text, till the final shot. But, instead of death, there’s a closing play-within-a-play, “Hamletmachine” as over-the-top floorshow that leads the audience into another space, an exploded realm in the far future—or are we back in Konstantin’s play?... Read more Read less

See it if you like Chekov's The Seagull and Hamlet and enjoy when artists are inspired by classics and reimagine them in thoughtful, innovative ways.

Don't see it if you only like traditional productions of classics and don't enjoy interacting with actors on stage and immersive experiences.

Also It's a fun and thoughtful play with unique and engaging staging that includes a really interesting and entertaining final portion that inspires and intrigues audiences. Great, dedicated, talented and adventurous cast!... Read more Read less

See it if You know and love your Chekhov and Mueller. Interesting, intense, partially on your feet explosion of 3 mammoths. Grand experiment.

Don't see it if It’s almost too intellectual. I studied with the Assembly and I love them, but this play asked an awful lot of its audience. My brain hurt.

Also I wish I had seen it a few times to take it all in.

See it if Well played DYI production of Chekhov's masterwork despite puzzling use of video Fuzzy textual juxtaposing Acting uneven but not determental

Don't see it if Muller's HamletMachine not integrated into Seagull text but clumsily layered on for last 1/2 hr despite good use of performing space

See it if you love a traditional Seagull or will sit through a production of one to get to a production of Hamletmachine right afterward

Don't see it if you expect a new play; or if, like me, you’re sick of Seagulls w/ their ineffectual aristocrats & dour Mashas (75% of show will disappoint)

Also The way this show marketed itself set me up for disappointment. Those familiar w/ Hamletmachine might guess that Seagullmachine aspires to redefine/challenge theater. But most of the show is just a modern dress, lightly stylized Seagull w/ some added snark. In the last inning the show abruptly segues into a staging of Hamletmachine. Instead of a fresh, original work, Seagullmachine is actually a double bill that puts an 1890s cutting-edge play next to a 1970s cutting-edge play & suggests comparing them side by side (or play within a play) is cutting-edge today.

Putting aside the depressing conclusion that “theater of the future” is entirely retrospective, a double bill of these plays IS a worthwhile idea. Cast clarifies how they intersect. Wish the show was upfront so I didn’t spend most of the time stewing over expecting an innovative, new perspective but got The Seagull instead. Hamletmachine portion livens things up—partly interactive. Glad I saw such a rarely attempted play.... Read more Read less