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The Seagull
“Many conversations about literature, little action, five poods of love.” That is how Anton Chekhov described his comedy, in which Medvedenko loves Masha, Masha loves Treplev, Treplev loves Nina, and Nina loves Trigorin, all while Shamrayev loves Polina Andreyevna, Polina Andreyevna loves Dorn, Dorn loves Arkadina, and Arkadina loves Trigorin. The situation becomes less comedic for a little while when two of these characters fall in love with each other, but “the circumstances have unexpectedly made it so that” this arcadia does not last too long. There is “little action” in the play, just the characters living their lives: some suffer from the creative process, some search for fame, some desperately try to live, some constantly attempt to end their life—all while new art forms are struggling to coexist with the old. And—did we forget?—everyone is looking for love . . .
Translated by a Russian actor and director, this dramatic translation is deeply rooted in insights from his ongoing work on his own theatrical production as director and on the character of Trigorin as actor. Many textual and visual elements and clues that are essential to the story and character interpretation are presented in the English language for the first time. Additional materials, including the translator and director’s selected notes and audio and video resources, are available on the complementary website theseagullplay.com.
Ч, the trademark and service mark for our undertakings related to The Seagull, is both a letter in the Russian alphabet and a number.
The letter, pronounced as [ch], is the first letter of the following relevant words in Russian:
- the family name of the playwright;
- the name of the play [cháika];
- the family name of the composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky, a contemporary and friend of Anton Chekhov, whose music is used extensively in the theatrical production;
- the word for the number four [chetýre].
The number symbolizes:
- the four acts;
- the four seasons corresponding to each of the four acts;
- the four movements of a symphony;
- the four characters whose lives intertwine the most.
TRADE REVIEWS
“Korenev has taken pains to bring the staging to the page with a new clarity. Now is perhaps an especially good time to revisit this play of loneliness and isolation; it feels like an old friend returned after a long absence—familiar, but also new.””—Rain Taxi Review of Books
“A new translation of Chekhov’s The Seagull pulses with an artist’s sensitivity . . . A nuanced, aching Seagull, attentive to the rhythms and melody of Chekhov’s own language, but unfussily direct in its English. Korenev’s version emphasizes its Russian-ness, right down to Chekhov’s insistence that this study of disappointment and suicide qualifies as comedy. Korenev’s sensitivities prove attuned to the desperate surges of feeling that grip Chekhov’s artists and lovers. In this rendering, the play’s monologues pulse with an aching vulnerability.”—BookLife Reviews, Editor's Pick
“Anton Korenev’s refreshing translation of Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull reveals the heart of the nineteenth-century story to a modern audience. Although The Seagull was intended to be performed, this translation provides formatting and paratextual elements that guide its reading experience.”—Foreword Clarion Reviews, Five-star Review
“A crisp, conversational translation that makes Chekhov’s words sing. Readers will be struck by how contemporary the dialogue sounds, even given its remote setting. This clarity helps make Chekhov’s insight and humor shine all the brighter. Whether readers are familiar with the play or coming to it for the first time, Korenev’s clean and balanced rendering provides a wonderful experience. One hopes he is able to take it to the stage soon.”—Kirkus Reviews
162 pages, Hardcover
Published August 24, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 3, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and Anton Korenev for this ARC, the cover and translation itself are wonderful.
My rating and review, rather, reflects my personal disinterest in the story originally written by Chekhov. I previously read Uncle Vanya and found that relatively fine, but I found it hard to find the characters in The Seagull engaging or likeable. For me, the plot revolves too heavily around unrequited love in multiple characters — it seems to be all there is to this story. It was, in a way, like The Sorrows of Young Werther, except without the strange appeal that comes from the emotional depth of that story, because here there are many characters interwoven by circumstance rather than deep feeling. It is hard to know why so immediately people fall in and out of love here, and why nothing else seems to happen in their lives. The Seagull metaphor is very blatant. There are some ideas on what it means to write, or what it means to perform, but it feels less like a musing and more like Chekhov was simply filling the space and time between the perpetual heartbreak of these flat characters with his own thoughts on his real-life career. To me I might even go so far as to write that The Seagull was for me, my best example to date of a banal and mediocre play.
All that written, this could just be that I personally do not enjoy Chekhov as much as other playwrights, as many others readers do enjoy Chekhov, and this is a wonderful new edition otherwise!
—
This is my 13th advanced reader copy (ARC) review. This means I received this ebook for free, and read it on my old Amazon Kindle, in exchange for this review which I have also published on Netgalley. I'm not financially motivated, as I read library books, so I only read ARCs I actually think will be good enough for me to rate and review honestly.
My rating and review, rather, reflects my personal disinterest in the story originally written by Chekhov. I previously read Uncle Vanya and found that relatively fine, but I found it hard to find the characters in The Seagull engaging or likeable. For me, the plot revolves too heavily around unrequited love in multiple characters — it seems to be all there is to this story. It was, in a way, like The Sorrows of Young Werther, except without the strange appeal that comes from the emotional depth of that story, because here there are many characters interwoven by circumstance rather than deep feeling. It is hard to know why so immediately people fall in and out of love here, and why nothing else seems to happen in their lives. The Seagull metaphor is very blatant. There are some ideas on what it means to write, or what it means to perform, but it feels less like a musing and more like Chekhov was simply filling the space and time between the perpetual heartbreak of these flat characters with his own thoughts on his real-life career. To me I might even go so far as to write that The Seagull was for me, my best example to date of a banal and mediocre play.
All that written, this could just be that I personally do not enjoy Chekhov as much as other playwrights, as many others readers do enjoy Chekhov, and this is a wonderful new edition otherwise!
—
This is my 13th advanced reader copy (ARC) review. This means I received this ebook for free, and read it on my old Amazon Kindle, in exchange for this review which I have also published on Netgalley. I'm not financially motivated, as I read library books, so I only read ARCs I actually think will be good enough for me to rate and review honestly.
August 23, 2021
The Seagull is a new translation of Chekov’s most prominent work by Anton Korenev. Beloved actress Arkadina has it all: beauty, fame, and a wonderful relationship with a famous author, Trigorin. She also has a son in his twenties who dreams of being a playwright, but his very existence reminds the world that Arkadina is guilty of the one thing actresses must never do: grow older. Then comes a younger actress, innocent and idealistic, who steals the attention of both these men, to everyone's sorrow. Anton Chekhov’s satiric comedy skewers our views of art and entertainment, and where the two of them combine.
A darkly funny domestic comedy set at the turn of the last century. The Seagull is one of the great plays about writing. It superbly captures the struggle for new forms, the frustrations and fulfilments of putting words on a page. Chekhov, in his first major play, staged a vital argument about the theatre which still resonates today. A story about how we make stories, a story about unrequited love, this is one of the great plays of the modern era. Chekhov explores emotion and creativity with the clarity of a doctor and the heart of a poet, and this just happens to be an excellent new translation of an age-old play. Highly recommended.
A darkly funny domestic comedy set at the turn of the last century. The Seagull is one of the great plays about writing. It superbly captures the struggle for new forms, the frustrations and fulfilments of putting words on a page. Chekhov, in his first major play, staged a vital argument about the theatre which still resonates today. A story about how we make stories, a story about unrequited love, this is one of the great plays of the modern era. Chekhov explores emotion and creativity with the clarity of a doctor and the heart of a poet, and this just happens to be an excellent new translation of an age-old play. Highly recommended.
March 21, 2021
Anton Korenev’s preparation for the production of Chekhov’s The Seagull was nearly complete when Covid shut down the theaters of New York City. He knew that the play would be performed in Russian and would require English subtitles; therefore, he used the year of isolation to research and translate the script. The result is so much more than a souvenir or an expanded playbill. It is a fresh, impactful, immediate version of the work in its own right.
Comparing this text to Marian Fell’s long-standing translation (available in the public domain), one can immediately sense Korenev’s pared-down, formal adherence to the Russian. It is not as concerned about a smooth landing on an English ear as it is about conveying the meaning of the lines alongside the fully immersed experience of the actors, the stage performance, and the music, all in 19th century Russian. The result for a reader is, arguably, what a written play should be: an enticing skeleton of a living, breathing event. In this case, it is a production that I now very much would like to see.
Thank you to Anton Korenev Entertainment and NetGalley for an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
Comparing this text to Marian Fell’s long-standing translation (available in the public domain), one can immediately sense Korenev’s pared-down, formal adherence to the Russian. It is not as concerned about a smooth landing on an English ear as it is about conveying the meaning of the lines alongside the fully immersed experience of the actors, the stage performance, and the music, all in 19th century Russian. The result for a reader is, arguably, what a written play should be: an enticing skeleton of a living, breathing event. In this case, it is a production that I now very much would like to see.
Thank you to Anton Korenev Entertainment and NetGalley for an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 23, 2025
The Seagull by Anton Chekhov
With a Positive Psychology Twist
A positive psychology exercise is gratitude – research has showed how good expressing gratitude is.
Well, I want to express my gratitude to Chekhov. He has written a great number of masterpieces- plays and short stories that have lifted my spirits, in spite or because of their sadness.
The seagull is an absolute tragedy. I will not mention the finale, but from the beginning through to the end the atmosphere is morose.
The summary of the play is given somewhere half through- an old man is twisting the head of a woman, who is like a seagull, in love with the lake. She suffers the fate of the seagull…not in these words, but that’s pretty much what I remember.
The bird is shot near the start of the play and ever since we get to hear of it- as a metaphor, as an object of beauty and finally, as a request to be stuffed.
Why is the bird killed? For no good reason.
There is an absurdity, an air of taedium vitae, hopelessness hanging over the play. A mood which is ever present in Russian plays and films (often inspired by the former). Unfinished Piece for Mechanical Piano comes to my mind frequently, for that pervasive gloom and the name which seems to say so much.
There is also a paradox- we have on one side representatives of a new generation- Konstantin, who, as a play writer is looking for modern, brave new ways of theatrical expression- and on the other hand Trigorin, who is a conservative, keeper of the old ways.
The Seagull is wonderfully complex and I have just read that it is considered his greatest play.
There is a play within the play, which brings Hamlet to mind and it has special effects which our stages have yet to see, if I am not mistaken. There is a smell of sulphur when red eyes appear on stage.
The characters have strengths and weaknesses- there are positivity feelings throughout the play- Joy, pride, inspiration, gratitude, serenity, interest, awe, amusement, hope and love.
But the overwhelming impression is that of sadness, unfulfillment. Some Americans joking in one of those flimsy comedies would say:
- Hey man, what’s with all these losers
- I don’t know man, but I sure want to get outta here
- My God, those guys are fucked up…shit man, forget about it
- And so on…
There is an uneasy passage, where there is talk about writing and Turgenev and other great writers. What’s the point of writing, knowing that you will never equal Turgenev and Fathers and Sons (indeed a masterpiece and one of the best books ever)? The irony here is that the dialogue comes from a play which is itself among the very best. But why do I write here? Why not forget about it? It helps my brain and gives me meaning…I do not know about your reading it though…you better stop…
I have seen and listened to this play quite a few times. Once it was at Teatrul Mic and Valeria Seciu, Mitica Popescu and Dan Condurache (of the last one I am not sure) were playing. Valeria Seciu used to have an incredible charm.
There is amusement – at one point Maupassant is mentioned with his remark on the Eiffel Tower- its vulgarity may affect my brain, I better run
The conventional theater is criticized: it is the same thing over and over again…
In the latest radio production that I have just finished Helena Bonham Carter plays the role of Nina, to my pleasant surprise.
What a great play!
With a Positive Psychology Twist
A positive psychology exercise is gratitude – research has showed how good expressing gratitude is.
Well, I want to express my gratitude to Chekhov. He has written a great number of masterpieces- plays and short stories that have lifted my spirits, in spite or because of their sadness.
The seagull is an absolute tragedy. I will not mention the finale, but from the beginning through to the end the atmosphere is morose.
The summary of the play is given somewhere half through- an old man is twisting the head of a woman, who is like a seagull, in love with the lake. She suffers the fate of the seagull…not in these words, but that’s pretty much what I remember.
The bird is shot near the start of the play and ever since we get to hear of it- as a metaphor, as an object of beauty and finally, as a request to be stuffed.
Why is the bird killed? For no good reason.
There is an absurdity, an air of taedium vitae, hopelessness hanging over the play. A mood which is ever present in Russian plays and films (often inspired by the former). Unfinished Piece for Mechanical Piano comes to my mind frequently, for that pervasive gloom and the name which seems to say so much.
There is also a paradox- we have on one side representatives of a new generation- Konstantin, who, as a play writer is looking for modern, brave new ways of theatrical expression- and on the other hand Trigorin, who is a conservative, keeper of the old ways.
The Seagull is wonderfully complex and I have just read that it is considered his greatest play.
There is a play within the play, which brings Hamlet to mind and it has special effects which our stages have yet to see, if I am not mistaken. There is a smell of sulphur when red eyes appear on stage.
The characters have strengths and weaknesses- there are positivity feelings throughout the play- Joy, pride, inspiration, gratitude, serenity, interest, awe, amusement, hope and love.
But the overwhelming impression is that of sadness, unfulfillment. Some Americans joking in one of those flimsy comedies would say:
- Hey man, what’s with all these losers
- I don’t know man, but I sure want to get outta here
- My God, those guys are fucked up…shit man, forget about it
- And so on…
There is an uneasy passage, where there is talk about writing and Turgenev and other great writers. What’s the point of writing, knowing that you will never equal Turgenev and Fathers and Sons (indeed a masterpiece and one of the best books ever)? The irony here is that the dialogue comes from a play which is itself among the very best. But why do I write here? Why not forget about it? It helps my brain and gives me meaning…I do not know about your reading it though…you better stop…
I have seen and listened to this play quite a few times. Once it was at Teatrul Mic and Valeria Seciu, Mitica Popescu and Dan Condurache (of the last one I am not sure) were playing. Valeria Seciu used to have an incredible charm.
There is amusement – at one point Maupassant is mentioned with his remark on the Eiffel Tower- its vulgarity may affect my brain, I better run
The conventional theater is criticized: it is the same thing over and over again…
In the latest radio production that I have just finished Helena Bonham Carter plays the role of Nina, to my pleasant surprise.
What a great play!
April 3, 2021
The translation of this book is amazing!! The English flows nicely and I could picture the play happening in my mind.
The plot was kinda disappointing though. While I could picture the play in my head, I wasn't really interested in what would happen. I know Korenev didn't write the play so I don't want to fault him for that.
The plot was kinda disappointing though. While I could picture the play in my head, I wasn't really interested in what would happen. I know Korenev didn't write the play so I don't want to fault him for that.
January 30, 2021
Thank you NetGalley and Anton Korenev Entertainment for providing me with an ARC of The Seagull in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Gist
It has been so long since I last read a play. Now that I’m thinking about it, it must be at least ten years. Probably even longer, since I finished my minor in Drama before 2010. Time certainly flies.
Before I started reading The Seagull, I was sure I had heard of the title before. I just never had the opportunity to read it.
I had a difficult time getting fully immersed in the story, because I was only able to view the file through the NetGalley app on my phone.
I am notoriously bad at reading on my phone. I know, I’m probably an anomaly. I kept forgetting that I hadn’t finished it. When I did sit down to read for a few minutes, I had trouble adjusting the font and screen dimensions. I lost the page I had been on frequently.
It was a little off-putting.
The Details
The Seagull has a lot of characters. Together with the screen troubles I had, this turned out to become a challenging time keeping track of who is who.
Once I got my bearings a bit, the play turned out to be very entertaining. I enjoyed the characters and hearing about their struggles and problems, real or imagined.
The many interwoven love interests were quite funny. And the amount of subtext that was included in the dialogue provides enough material for long discussions of the philosophical nature.
I liked the time jump and I was very surprised by the ending.
The Verdict
Overall, I rather enjoyed The Seagull. It was different from the plays I had to read back during my undergrad years, and I appreciated the way the author chose to end it.
I would recommend it.
ElliotScribbles
The Gist
It has been so long since I last read a play. Now that I’m thinking about it, it must be at least ten years. Probably even longer, since I finished my minor in Drama before 2010. Time certainly flies.
Before I started reading The Seagull, I was sure I had heard of the title before. I just never had the opportunity to read it.
I had a difficult time getting fully immersed in the story, because I was only able to view the file through the NetGalley app on my phone.
I am notoriously bad at reading on my phone. I know, I’m probably an anomaly. I kept forgetting that I hadn’t finished it. When I did sit down to read for a few minutes, I had trouble adjusting the font and screen dimensions. I lost the page I had been on frequently.
It was a little off-putting.
The Details
The Seagull has a lot of characters. Together with the screen troubles I had, this turned out to become a challenging time keeping track of who is who.
Once I got my bearings a bit, the play turned out to be very entertaining. I enjoyed the characters and hearing about their struggles and problems, real or imagined.
The many interwoven love interests were quite funny. And the amount of subtext that was included in the dialogue provides enough material for long discussions of the philosophical nature.
I liked the time jump and I was very surprised by the ending.
The Verdict
Overall, I rather enjoyed The Seagull. It was different from the plays I had to read back during my undergrad years, and I appreciated the way the author chose to end it.
I would recommend it.
ElliotScribbles
October 18, 2020
The Seagull by Anton Chekhov
Human nature at it’s finest.
I must admit before we get started is my knowledge of Russian literature is very minimal. As well as just plays in general, this was my first time reading a play and I have to say I loved it!
Chekhov’s portrayal of human nature in this play shows. Each character is dealing with some sort of self resentment towards themselves in one way or another, some envious or jealous of others. But what he excels at is showing people’s underlying sadness. These characters although unhappy handle it in a way most people do in real life and that’s by hiding it or just completely blowing up the situation they are in.
This work by Chekhov is filled with lots of really complicated situations. Characters falling in love with the wrong people. Resulting in messy relationships with other characters because of their feelings.
Overall I enjoyed reading this work by Chekhov. It's going to deserve a reread right away! The way he just portrays his characters in these very emotional situations just had me hooked and I want to check out some of his other stuff here soon.
“Disclaimer this ARC was given to me by Netgalley and New Directions Publishing in exchange for an honest review”
Human nature at it’s finest.
I must admit before we get started is my knowledge of Russian literature is very minimal. As well as just plays in general, this was my first time reading a play and I have to say I loved it!
Chekhov’s portrayal of human nature in this play shows. Each character is dealing with some sort of self resentment towards themselves in one way or another, some envious or jealous of others. But what he excels at is showing people’s underlying sadness. These characters although unhappy handle it in a way most people do in real life and that’s by hiding it or just completely blowing up the situation they are in.
This work by Chekhov is filled with lots of really complicated situations. Characters falling in love with the wrong people. Resulting in messy relationships with other characters because of their feelings.
Overall I enjoyed reading this work by Chekhov. It's going to deserve a reread right away! The way he just portrays his characters in these very emotional situations just had me hooked and I want to check out some of his other stuff here soon.
“Disclaimer this ARC was given to me by Netgalley and New Directions Publishing in exchange for an honest review”
November 6, 2020
This is my first time reading Anton Chekhov. That’s an embarrassing admission since I spent a semester studying plays and playwrights during my undergraduate degree and I love reading (and watching) plays.
Chekhov’s newest publication of The Seagull is translated by Anton Korenev. In the preface, Korenev takes on the responsibility of making “the production accessible to the English-speaking audience [. . .] Using the early modern Russian language that Chekhov himself used at the end of the nineteenth century” which “makes it possible to reproduce the sounds, melody, and poetics of the spoken language” (ix). And Korenev’s translation does indeed do that. It’s melodious. He captures the lyricism of the emotionally-charged play. The passion—or lack thereof—that the characters express for life, the craft of their art, and one another is clear in the language in this translation.
Since I haven’t read another translated version of The Seagull and don’t understand Russian, it’s impossible for me to compare Korenev’s rendition to previous translations or the original text. However, Korenev’s version was engrossing, and I couldn’t put my e-reader down. There were moments when I found myself laughing out loud and also feel my heart breaking. I don’t know what was more devastating, witnessing the pain the characters experienced due to unrequited love or the frustration that artists Irina, Nina, Treplev and Trigorin felt for various reasons.
I personally loved how Chekhov’s metaplay focuses heavily on the cultural relevance of art—especially to people’s identities. Since I studied literature, I can attest to understanding the instances where some characters felt like they were drowning in their art (the creative process) and when others felt completely disconnected from it as well. Chekhov’s play shows the complex emotions and relationships that artists experience with the creative process. Through Dorn, readers (or audience members) are reminded of the significance of aesthetic: “You took a subject from the field of abstract ideas. And that was the right thing to do, since literary work should undoubtedly express a grand thought. Only that which is deep is beautiful” (The Seagull, Act 1).
I also loved that Nina’ character confesses that she struggles to understand whether or not the seagull is symbolic! I’ve felt this way many times in school wondering how I was accepted into university in the first place! Nina says to Treplev, “You’ve been irritated lately, you keep expressing your unclearly, with symbols. And this seagull is probably a symbol, but forgive me, I don’t understand” (The Seagull, Act 2). Although this was a laugh-out-loud moment as I could sense the cheekiness, my younger self likely would have nodded in agreement with Nina.
But please don’t take my word for it that you should read Korenev’s translation of The Seagull. Just read it! This is a must-read for fans of Chekhov, plays, art, philosophical questions, romance or tragi-comedies.
Many thanks to Anton Korenev Entertainment and NetGalley for this ARC!
Chekhov’s newest publication of The Seagull is translated by Anton Korenev. In the preface, Korenev takes on the responsibility of making “the production accessible to the English-speaking audience [. . .] Using the early modern Russian language that Chekhov himself used at the end of the nineteenth century” which “makes it possible to reproduce the sounds, melody, and poetics of the spoken language” (ix). And Korenev’s translation does indeed do that. It’s melodious. He captures the lyricism of the emotionally-charged play. The passion—or lack thereof—that the characters express for life, the craft of their art, and one another is clear in the language in this translation.
Since I haven’t read another translated version of The Seagull and don’t understand Russian, it’s impossible for me to compare Korenev’s rendition to previous translations or the original text. However, Korenev’s version was engrossing, and I couldn’t put my e-reader down. There were moments when I found myself laughing out loud and also feel my heart breaking. I don’t know what was more devastating, witnessing the pain the characters experienced due to unrequited love or the frustration that artists Irina, Nina, Treplev and Trigorin felt for various reasons.
I personally loved how Chekhov’s metaplay focuses heavily on the cultural relevance of art—especially to people’s identities. Since I studied literature, I can attest to understanding the instances where some characters felt like they were drowning in their art (the creative process) and when others felt completely disconnected from it as well. Chekhov’s play shows the complex emotions and relationships that artists experience with the creative process. Through Dorn, readers (or audience members) are reminded of the significance of aesthetic: “You took a subject from the field of abstract ideas. And that was the right thing to do, since literary work should undoubtedly express a grand thought. Only that which is deep is beautiful” (The Seagull, Act 1).
I also loved that Nina’ character confesses that she struggles to understand whether or not the seagull is symbolic! I’ve felt this way many times in school wondering how I was accepted into university in the first place! Nina says to Treplev, “You’ve been irritated lately, you keep expressing your unclearly, with symbols. And this seagull is probably a symbol, but forgive me, I don’t understand” (The Seagull, Act 2). Although this was a laugh-out-loud moment as I could sense the cheekiness, my younger self likely would have nodded in agreement with Nina.
But please don’t take my word for it that you should read Korenev’s translation of The Seagull. Just read it! This is a must-read for fans of Chekhov, plays, art, philosophical questions, romance or tragi-comedies.
Many thanks to Anton Korenev Entertainment and NetGalley for this ARC!
December 28, 2020
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Anton Korenev’s new adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull is a stark, succinctly Russian view of life, his translation getting right to the nitty-gritty without losing the poetry of the original. Of course, as an English speaker, I’ve only read a plethora of translations so can only assume what Chekhov’s original is like, but a Russian himself, my bet is that Korenev gets pretty dang close. And I have to say it is definitely my favorite translation so far.
The story of Konstanstin Treplev and his love, Nina, and his mother, Arkadina, and both of their loves, Trigorin, is a flurry of emotions and despair, no middle ground between the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Taking place over a few years, each act is its own dramaful piece of Russian theatre. No one loves the person they’re supposed to and each life spirals as the characters attempt to move on in their lives despite this sad fact. Everyone is miserable while pretending to be happy. Arkadina chases her youth, Konstantin chases Nina, and Nina chases her dreams of being a famous actress, but loses herself along the way.
No one gets what they want.
It’s a beautiful tragedy.
Korenev’s translation gets right to the heart of the matter, skipping over most stage directions (which often take away from the story while reading a play) and jumping right to the poignant dialogue. Nina’s famous “seagull” monologue strikes right at the heart, the familiar lines fresh with new life in this adaptation.
As an eternal fan of Chekhov, I know my rating could be considered a bit biased but I don’t care. Chekhov’s melancholic writing isn’t for all readers but he is nevertheless a staple of theatrical history, and this adaptation is precise, poetic, and a perfect example of good Russian theatre. Coming from this all-American actor obsessed with the classics, that is the highest praise I can give for a new look at my favorite Russian play.
Trigger warning: self-harm, attempted suicide.
*Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an e-arc in exchange for a fair and honest review!*
Check out my blog for more on The Seagull!
Anton Korenev’s new adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull is a stark, succinctly Russian view of life, his translation getting right to the nitty-gritty without losing the poetry of the original. Of course, as an English speaker, I’ve only read a plethora of translations so can only assume what Chekhov’s original is like, but a Russian himself, my bet is that Korenev gets pretty dang close. And I have to say it is definitely my favorite translation so far.
The story of Konstanstin Treplev and his love, Nina, and his mother, Arkadina, and both of their loves, Trigorin, is a flurry of emotions and despair, no middle ground between the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Taking place over a few years, each act is its own dramaful piece of Russian theatre. No one loves the person they’re supposed to and each life spirals as the characters attempt to move on in their lives despite this sad fact. Everyone is miserable while pretending to be happy. Arkadina chases her youth, Konstantin chases Nina, and Nina chases her dreams of being a famous actress, but loses herself along the way.
No one gets what they want.
It’s a beautiful tragedy.
Korenev’s translation gets right to the heart of the matter, skipping over most stage directions (which often take away from the story while reading a play) and jumping right to the poignant dialogue. Nina’s famous “seagull” monologue strikes right at the heart, the familiar lines fresh with new life in this adaptation.
As an eternal fan of Chekhov, I know my rating could be considered a bit biased but I don’t care. Chekhov’s melancholic writing isn’t for all readers but he is nevertheless a staple of theatrical history, and this adaptation is precise, poetic, and a perfect example of good Russian theatre. Coming from this all-American actor obsessed with the classics, that is the highest praise I can give for a new look at my favorite Russian play.
Trigger warning: self-harm, attempted suicide.
*Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an e-arc in exchange for a fair and honest review!*
Check out my blog for more on The Seagull!
December 10, 2020
This was a quick, fun read. As a longtime fan of classic Russian lit, and especially Chekhov, I found this translation very enjoyable. Korenev has managed to capture Chekhov's comedic tone, as opposed to most popular translations of The Seagull today, which paint the play as a tragedy, unlike Chekhov's original intention. Korenev gives enough stage direction to render the play understandable even in text format, although it should be said that The Seagull is definitely best—and much easier to follow—viewed live. The translation doesn't try to "Americanize" the original Russian naming conventions either, and retains the various different names for each character, instead providing a character list at the beginning for reference. Would have loved to see this acted out as Korenev had originally intended, but overall, a great refresh of an old classic.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)
November 12, 2020
I have read several translations of The Seagull by Anton Chekhov and some are turgid, old-fashioned or don't capture the humour of the play. This translation by Anton Korenev is clear and is tightly drafted so there aren't any sections that sag. The humour is there - though be warned that in typical Russian style it's a tragi-comedy! - and the love in all its forms comes through. Everyone despairs of the meaning of life and love over vodka while the seasons change and life carries on. Andrew Upton (Mr Cate Blanchett) updated and translated Uncle Vanya to be understood by an audience of the 2000's and this does so similarly - we still get the poetry of the language but it feels very current.
I will be recommending this translation to others interested in Chekhov's work.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and Anton Korenev for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I will be recommending this translation to others interested in Chekhov's work.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and Anton Korenev for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2021
“The Seagull”, by Anton Chekhov, translated and adapted by Anton Korenev is my first introduction to the Russian playwright. I have nothing to compare this translation to, but I found it enjoyable and easily readable, although as usual with Russian literature the multiple names and patronyms can get a bit confusing at times.
This is a play about love, about wanting and longing – for love, for people, for fame, for fortune. The characters fall in and out of love with each other, many secret feelings, the grass is always greener over the fence. We get brief glimpses as time passes, as the characters age a bit and move on (or fail to). Part tragedy, part comedy, all Russian.
I requested and received a free advanced electronic copy from Anton Korenev Entertainment via NetGalley. Thank you!
This is a play about love, about wanting and longing – for love, for people, for fame, for fortune. The characters fall in and out of love with each other, many secret feelings, the grass is always greener over the fence. We get brief glimpses as time passes, as the characters age a bit and move on (or fail to). Part tragedy, part comedy, all Russian.
I requested and received a free advanced electronic copy from Anton Korenev Entertainment via NetGalley. Thank you!
June 17, 2024
Definitely the most serious of the three big plays, The Seagull explores the self-serving role of artists in 19th century Russia with evident sobriety and pain. Two generations of artists clash, and we see them go through the same troubles, without getting help. Everyone is living their own personal drama, without seeing the pain caused by their actions. I would love to see this in a theater.
"How easy it is, Doctor, to be a philosopher on paper, and how difficult it is in real life".
"How easy it is, Doctor, to be a philosopher on paper, and how difficult it is in real life".
March 2, 2025
okay lemme js say i didnt rlly understand any of it bc i was SPEEDRUNNING thru it at some relative's house during CNY, like i did NOT reflect on anything i read at all
but i loved the twist ending & how it was conveyed!! i felt the buildup was pretty neat and i like the symbolism of the seagull + foreshadowing earlier with the dead gull LOL
will reread in future & update rating
but i loved the twist ending & how it was conveyed!! i felt the buildup was pretty neat and i like the symbolism of the seagull + foreshadowing earlier with the dead gull LOL
will reread in future & update rating
December 17, 2020
I received a physical copy of this play from the translator through a giveaway hosted on GoodReads.
To the unsuspecting reader, Anton Chekov's The Seagull is an odd play. Split into four parts, it is a comedy in which everyone seems to be miserable. Although everyone is in love, no feelings seem to be returned, and a chart of the relationships would likely more resemble a spider web than a triangle. Furthermore, half of the main characters seem to be young people struggling to break into their preferred craft while the other half are older individuals who seem to becoming disillusioned with their chosen lifestyle, and more than a few of them seem to be struggling with unacknowledged mental illness on top of it all. It is a play in which nothing seems to happen from one page to another, but when it finally comes to an end, everything seems somehow different than the beginning while still having an air of similarity. But, such is life.
I think this play might be just slightly above my level. I respect Chekov as a master of his craft, and Korenev's translation decisions created a plentitude of beautiful prose and interesting scenes, but for one reason or another I had difficulty following it as I read. I found myself checking the character list in the front multiple times as I read in an attempt to keep the character's straight, and even then, I had to look up a plot summary online to be sure I understood what I had read properly. It is the sort of play that I could see myself reading for a college class and being able to fake my way through the assignment, but as soon as I stepped out of the classroom after the final exam I would have no idea how to explain it to someone if they asked. I can appreciate it for where it sits in theatrical canon, but it simply wasn't for me, and there isn't much more I can say about it. It is the sort of play which would be better to see for yourself than to try to read, unless of course your reason for reading it is in order to be part of a performance. As such, I highly recommend this translation to be used in theatre group, or for theatre and English students looking to pre-read the play before seeing it or to follow along with a taped performance. Even if I had little idea what was going on in the long-term, the conversations and the play-within-the-play were a pleasure to read simply because the word choice was lovely. It is not, however, a play that I would say is fun to read just to pass the time if you are not already a learned scholar of Chekov and/or Russian literature. As with many works of respected writing, this is a piece that can easily go over the head of the common reader.
To the unsuspecting reader, Anton Chekov's The Seagull is an odd play. Split into four parts, it is a comedy in which everyone seems to be miserable. Although everyone is in love, no feelings seem to be returned, and a chart of the relationships would likely more resemble a spider web than a triangle. Furthermore, half of the main characters seem to be young people struggling to break into their preferred craft while the other half are older individuals who seem to becoming disillusioned with their chosen lifestyle, and more than a few of them seem to be struggling with unacknowledged mental illness on top of it all. It is a play in which nothing seems to happen from one page to another, but when it finally comes to an end, everything seems somehow different than the beginning while still having an air of similarity. But, such is life.
I think this play might be just slightly above my level. I respect Chekov as a master of his craft, and Korenev's translation decisions created a plentitude of beautiful prose and interesting scenes, but for one reason or another I had difficulty following it as I read. I found myself checking the character list in the front multiple times as I read in an attempt to keep the character's straight, and even then, I had to look up a plot summary online to be sure I understood what I had read properly. It is the sort of play that I could see myself reading for a college class and being able to fake my way through the assignment, but as soon as I stepped out of the classroom after the final exam I would have no idea how to explain it to someone if they asked. I can appreciate it for where it sits in theatrical canon, but it simply wasn't for me, and there isn't much more I can say about it. It is the sort of play which would be better to see for yourself than to try to read, unless of course your reason for reading it is in order to be part of a performance. As such, I highly recommend this translation to be used in theatre group, or for theatre and English students looking to pre-read the play before seeing it or to follow along with a taped performance. Even if I had little idea what was going on in the long-term, the conversations and the play-within-the-play were a pleasure to read simply because the word choice was lovely. It is not, however, a play that I would say is fun to read just to pass the time if you are not already a learned scholar of Chekov and/or Russian literature. As with many works of respected writing, this is a piece that can easily go over the head of the common reader.
August 25, 2021
unrequited love, Russian style!
March 6, 2023
An enjoyable enough play, though an obvious decline in value from the great works of Russian Literature from the decades prior.
December 6, 2021
I received this book from a goodreads giveaway, so I have no prior knowledge of Chekov or Russian plays in general. However, I genuinely enjoyed this book from the comedic relationship hijinks to the play within the play. It's a quick read and I think I would enjoy seeing it in the theater someday if I ever get the chance.
(Also the translator very kindly left a personalized note in my copy which was so nice of him and a pleasant surprise!)
(Also the translator very kindly left a personalized note in my copy which was so nice of him and a pleasant surprise!)
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