The Seagull (Ang Tagak) : A comedy

WheninManila, DUP REVISITS THE CLASSICS THROUGH CHEKHOV’S THE SEAGULL (ANG TAGAK)

This September, Dulaang UP brings to the stage one of the best-known and best-loved classics in theater, Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull (Ang Tagak), featuring the latest English translation by Tom Stoppard and with Filipino translation by Rolando Tinio. This stage performance features a powerhouse and stellar cast of theatre actors and designers and is directed by Dulaang UP founder and former artistic director, Prof. Tony Mabesa.

The plot revolves around young Konstantin Treplev, a budding playwright who has big dreams of creating a new art form. He premieres his first play which stars his great love, Nina Zarechnaya. Unfortunately for Treplev, his fierce determination to revolutionize art is challenged by his mother’s (Irina) utter disregard for his efforts and Nina’s affections drifting away towards his mother’s lover, the successful novelist Boris Trigorin.

Amidst the emotional chaos, the characters are forced to face questions on life, love, and everything else in between. Through The Seagull, Chekhov is able to masterfully paint an intimate, poignant, and at times funny portrait of life itself. He deftly portrays humanity with all its desires, passions, and follies. The themes of

love, commitment, art and compassion are still very much relevant and adaptable to today’s scene in the Philippines.

Stoppard’s adaptation premiered in New York in 2001 and featured a star-studded cast which included Meryl Streep as Irina, Kevin Kline as Trigorin, and Natalie Portman as Nina and was under the direction of Mike Nichols. This is the first time a Philippine production is staging the multi-awarded translation of Stoppard which uses modern language for the present-day theater audience.

DUP’s adaptation of this beloved classic will be staged both in English and Filipino. The production stars theater luminaries Ana Abad Santos, Frances Makil-Ignacio, Ces Quesada, Leo Rialp, Menggie Cobarrubias, Jeremy Domingo, Alfonso Deza, Stella Cañete Balucas and promising actors Carlo Tarobal, Zafrullah Masahud, Karen Gaerlan, and Nadine Samonte.

The Seagull (Ang Tagak) runs September 19 – October 7, 2012 at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, Palma Hall, University of the Philippines Diliman. For sponsorship and ticket inquiries, please contact the Dulaang UP Office at 926-1349, 981-8500 local 2449 or 433-7840 and look for Ms. Camille Guevarra or Ms. Samanta Clarin.

This is one production that is not to be missed.