Stupid Fucking Bird

Stupid Fucking Bird
Image: Mansoor Noor

This contemporary adaptation of Russian dramatist Anton Chekhov’s first play The Seagull written by American playwright Aaron Posner, should prove to be quite a hit.

“The show’s about my character Conrad who is a writer trying to impress his mother Emma, a very successful actress, to gain her love. But things take a turn for the worst when the love of his life Nina, falls for his mother’s boyfriend and everyone then discovers how disappointing love can be,” explained Mansoor Noor.

The play explores the nature of being an artist, the need for love and the universal question of: what are we all here for? “Themes and ideas from The Seagull (which was written in1895) are repackaged and the show makes fun of art and questions its purpose as well. It’s left up to the audience to decide where they sit on the idea of art and how it affects the world.”

With seven characters chasing love quite a few romantic entanglements unfold, which should provide much laughter. But should conservative theatre-goers be intimidated by the title of the play? “There’s a lot of use of the ‘f’ word in the show. It’s in the title so I guess that’s a good indicator but when it comes to violence and anything else which would offend people, a lot of the action does take place off stage. I don’t think they need to be too concerned as long as they can deal with the use of the ‘f’ word,” laughed Noor.

“The swearing is there because these characters are tortured. The show is all about trying to express what you feel, but none of the characters actually say what they feel and if they did, they wouldn’t be in half the problems they’re in. The swearing is an outlet as they can’t articulate what they want to say.”

This show should appeal to a wide audience. “Being that it’s based on a classic text, older audiences should be familiar with it and younger audiences also, because The Seagull is in their curriculum. There are characters that every age group from teen onwards can relate to,” concluded Noor. (MMo)

Jul 12-28. New Theatre, 542 King St Newtown. $20-$35+b.f. Ticket & Info: www.newtheatre.org.au or Ph. 9519 3403

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