[seagull]

UK PREMIERE

Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull takes on new meaning in a Flemish Sign Language reimagining. 

Over a weekend in a country estate, Arkadina, a celebrated actress, and her playwright son, Konstantin, pursue their artistic and romantic ambitions amidst a complex web of melodramatic characters, generational differences and fatal misunderstandings.  

Belgian company Olympique Dramatique brings together a cast of deaf and hearing actors to reimagine Chekhov's story; some have signed since birth, while others are beginners. Exploring the inner turmoil when understanding and communication prove impossible, this production deftly challenges preconceived ideas about language.  

This UK premiere follows a critically acclaimed European tour, including the Dutch Theatre Festival, whose selection committee declared: ‘seldom has Chekhov had such an invigorating and multifaceted reinterpretation’. Championing actor-led direction, Olympique Dramatique reveals new depths to this iconic tragicomedy. 

The Warm Up: [seagull]

Director Stijn Van Opstel & actor Yana Wuytjens talk language, curiosity and collaboration.

Supported by

Programme

Performed in Flemish Sign Language with creative captions in English

Cast & Creative Team

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  • Konstantin
    Yana Wuytjens
  • Nina
    Yousra Boukantar
  • Medvedenko
    Tom Dewispelaere
  • Masja (also Sjamrajev)
    Lobke Leirens
  • Arkadina
    Sofie Decleir
  • Trigorin
    Serge Vlerick
  • Dorn
    Willy Thomas
  • Polina
    Lut Reysen
Production & Creative TeamCloseOpen
  • Toneelhuis
  • Olympique Dramatique
  • Anton Chekhov
    After
  • Stijn Van Opstal
    Director
  • Stijn Van Opstal, Scarlet Tummers, Tom Dewispelaere, Francis Geeraert
    Adaptation (with thanks to Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer)
  • Diane Boonen, Sam Verstraete & Hilde Verhelst e.a.
    Translators
  • Scarlet Tummers
    Dramaturg
  • Damiaan De Schrijver & Stijn Van Opstal
    Set Designers
  • Frank Hardy
    Lighting Designer
  • Monique Van Hassel
    Costume Designer
CreditsCloseOpen
  • theater arsenaal Co-producers

    with the support of Silence Radio, Doof Vlaanderen, doof&events, Vlaams GebarentaalCentrum (VGTC), KU Leuven Campus Antwerpen (Toegepaste Taalkunde), Nationale Loterij, Literatuur Vlaanderen, Koning Boudewijnstichting, Tax Shelter measure of the Belgian federal government via LOOK@LEO

Dive Deeper

Listen to The Warm Up: your audio introduction to the performance.

Scarlet Tummers on Toneelhuis's unique production

Dates & Times