Play reinterprets classic work

A production of La Mouette by the Compagnie Vol Plané explores the collision of two generations on stage, reinterpreting Anton Tchekhov's work as a mise en abîme, where reality and fiction intertwine. The production features eight actors and musicians, divided into "young" and "old" groups, who perform the play while reenacting their characters' lives and interjecting with personal reflections.

Characters highlight generational tensions

The play centers on two generations: the older ones, including Trigorine, a recognized writer, and Arkadina, a famous actress, and the younger ones, Treplev, a dramatist, and Nina, a young actress aspiring to fame. The relationships between these characters—mother and son, lovers, and infatuated partners—highlight tensions around renewal, tradition, artistic transmission, and personal passions. The production concludes with a tragic outcome, reflecting the complexities of these generational conflicts.

Production team and cast details

The production, titled Jouer la mouette, is directed by Nicolas Arancibia and Alexis Moati, with dramaturgy by Carole Costantini and Mathilde Marsan. The cast includes Nicolas Arancibia, Carole Costantini, Pierre Laneyrie, Mathilde Marsan, Alexis Moati, Malo Moati, Emma Paris, and Nicolas Rochette. The lighting design is by Nicolas Rocahette, and the set design is by Emma Paris. Romain David serves as the complicit gaze, and Léa Scuitti is responsible for sound and production direction.

Supporters and venues

The production is by the Compagnie Vol Plané and is coproduced by La Criée - Théâtre National de Marseille, Théâtre Joliette, Maison de la Culture de Bourges - Scène Nationale, Théâtre Durance, scène conventionnée d'intérêt national Art et Création - Château-Arnoux-Saint-Auban, Réseau Traverses - Région Sud PACA, and the Pôle des Arts de la Scène de la Friche la Belle de Mai. It also includes school performances in coproduction with the Théâtre Massalia, scène conventionnée d'intérêt national Art, Enfance, Jeunesse. The production is supported by the Département des Bouches du Rhône, domain départemental de l'Étang des Aulnes, and Théâtre Le Sémaphore, Port-de-Bouc.

Performance dates and source

The production runs from 9 to 13 November 2026 at Théâtre Joliette in Marseille. The article "Jouer la mouette" by the Compagnie Vol Plané first appeared on Sceneweb.