Martin Crimp’s new translation of The Seagull opens June 27 following previews that began June 17. The cast includes Juliet Stevenson, who plays actress Arkadina; and Ben Whishaw as her son Konstantin, who casually shoots the eponymous gull about which novelist Trigorin (Mark Blazeley) will one day write the story.
Stevenson has previously appeared at the National in Private Lives, The Caucasian Chalk Circle and Hedda Gabler. In 1991 Stevenson also created the role of Paulina in Ariel Dorfman’s award-winning Death and the Maiden.
In 2004 Whishaw burst onto the London stage with an Olivier Award-nominated performance as Hamlet in Trevor Nunn’s Old Vic production. That year’s Best Actor Award was won by Richard Griffiths for The History Boys. He also appeared at The Menier Chocolate Factory in 2005 in Philip Ridley’s Mercury Fur.
Design for The Seagull is by Vicki Mortimer. For more on The Seagull call (0)207 452 3000 or visit www.nationaltheatre.org.uk.
