The production of The Seagull by renowned Russian theatre director Lev Dodin was presented at the Azerbaijan State Academic Musical Theatre on October 29 and 30 as part of the second Baku International Arts Festival (BIAF), which runs from October 28 to November 8 with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Culture. Staged by the Maly Drama Theatre – Theatre of Europe in St. Petersburg, the production, which has received the prestigious Golden Soffit and Golden Mask theatre awards, offers a profound and distinctive interpretation of Anton Chekhov’s celebrated play, Trend’s correspondent reports.
Dodin’s approach to Chekhov’s classic is more than a stage adaptation of a well-known work. It is an attempt to reassess human relationships, the nature of artistic creation and the responsibility artists bear towards themselves and the world around them. The production seamlessly intertwines reflections on life and art, exploring the characters’ destinies through their inner contradictions, hopes, disappointments and search for a place in the world.
The ensemble cast lends particular expressive power to the production. Igor Chernevich plays Trigorin, Elizaveta Boyarskaya portrays Arkadina, Anna Zavtur takes on the role of Nina Zarechnaya, Evgeny Zaifrid plays Treplev, Sergei Kuryshev portrays Sorin, Oleg Ryazantsev plays Medvedenko, and Polina Sevastyanikhina appears as Masha. The stage design by Alexander Borovsky, one of the best-known artists in contemporary theatre, creates a metaphorical image of a lake with boats gently rocking on the water, conveying the fragility of human existence and the ever-changing nature of emotions.
Baku leaves a lasting impression on the cast Lev Dodin spoke highly of the importance of international cultural initiatives, noting that art and cultural dialogue become particularly valuable during challenging periods in history. In his view, festivals such as BIAF in Baku help preserve mutual understanding between people and create spaces for communication that transcend national borders. Baku made a strong impression on the production’s cast.
Visiting the Azerbaijani capital for the first time, Dodin praised the city’s beauty, the splendour of its theatre architecture and the views of the Caspian Sea. The renowned director also expressed a desire to explore the Old City, Icherisheher, and discover more of the capital’s landmarks. And, in general, I am glad that we are in Baku.
Everything is wonderful, absolutely wonderful! Such a beautiful, magnificent theatre,” the director said. Elizaveta Boyarskaya was also visiting Baku for the first time and said the city had immediately won her over with its architecture, cleanliness and atmosphere.
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