Is the Seagull by chekov a mordern or classical play?

Question

It's for acting school audition.

Answer 1

This is actually an excellent question.

In my opinion, Chekhov can go both ways. But, I want to qualify that. Let me spin out a couple of audition scenarios.

If you're being asked to perform ONE monologue -- and it's supposed to be Classical -- you absolutely would NOT want to use Chekhov. 99 times out of 100, "Classical" = "Shakespearean," and your auditors want to know how you handle heightened language...probably verse.

If you've been asked to perform one piece, and it's being left up to you as to whether that piece is classical or contemporary, go ahead and use Chekhov. Be very judicious in your selection of a translation. Some translations/adaptations are rather more formal, and use language that might be better suited to a more classical mode of playing. Others (the Robert Corrigan translations, for instance) are have a more modern tone.

And certainly, if you're being asked to perform TWO contrasting monologues, you can fit Chekhov in there somewhere. I've performed a Trigorin monologue from "The Seagull" for years, and have used it to satisfy BOTH the classical and contemporary component of auditions.

Answer 2

What makes it modern (and not merely more recent) is that it has no clear "villain" character, and that each of the characters is shown to struggle with something psychological inside themselves that is "villainous."

It is considered to be one of the landmark plays for this -- as well as having laid the foundation for the Moscow Art Theatre and the work of Stanislavski in developing his thoughts on and teaching of acting.

Answer 3

"The Seagull" was written in 1896, so that would make it an early modern play.

Answer 4

Modern language, so pick that style for your audition. I just finished reading it.

Answer 5

It is a modern classic.

Answer 6

definitely modern. chehkov's been hailed as the greatest modern playwright