

Northwestern University
Theoretical Project
The set design for Anton Chekhov's "The Seagull" aims to create a visually striking and thought-provoking environment that blends old and new elements. By exposing the theatre's architecture in combination with gestures towards the Symbolist movement, I hope to put the audience in the shoes of a struggling artist trying to find his own way in the world.
The centerpiece of the stage is an aged white roof from a period Russian cottage, or Dacha, held up by an excavator. This roof, with its worn and weathered look, represents the past and the decline of old values. Konstantin tries to push away from this tradition to find something new. The excavator adds a modern, industrial touch, emphasizing the tension between holding onto the past and progressing forward.
A large shipping crate filled with colorful lawn chairs from the 1960s sits prominently on stage. These vibrant chairs inject a sense of joyful nostalgia and freedom, contrasting with the play's more serious moments. They represent the characters' dreams and desires, providing a playful yet poignant backdrop.
The turf grass covering the stage floor brings a natural element into the space, highlighting the play's connection to nature and the countryside. Adding to the surreal and dramatic atmosphere, Konstantin's play within the play will be a pyrotechnic event, featuring Nina performing a shocking piece in which she crawls out of a bear carcass. This intense and visceral imagery highlights Konstantin's avant-garde artistic vision and the raw, primal emotions at play. After the failure of his performance the carcass remains throughout the duration of "The Seagull" and slowly decomposes.
