Context: Die Möwe

How is a play text created? Why are classics rewritten, reimagined, localised in the here and now? In the discussion series Kontext, we look together at current productions, theatre texts and their adaptation to the stage. With reference to The Seagull by Anton Chekhov in Christopher Rüping’s production, we will first examine Chekhov’s concept of comedy. We then examine the textual and theatrical means by which this Seagull attempts to maintain the precarious balance between comedy and tragedy.