[ meeuw ]

“[meeuw] is a completely new retelling of Chekhov's classic into sign language, performed by a mixed cast of hearing and non-hearing actors. This [meeuw] does something phenomenal. It is not often that a Chekhov is given so many refreshing new layers. Instead of having a sign language interpreter on stage, the cast studied for two years to master Flemish Sign Language. The whole thing is surtitled, and even in that surtitles, space has been found for integrated acting.

Not only does this allow the creators and players to open up this classic to a non-hearing community, it also results in impressive ensemble acting. A theatrical language emerges that is incredibly rich and nuanced, without even saying a word. Sound and resonance are definitely an important part of the performance: a cleverly placed microphone on a tinkling tray in front of glasses, the wooden playing floor - it emerges everywhere.

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The choice of the canonical The Seagull with its rich performance history works marvelously well: love and unfulfilled desire are given a special dramaturgical charge through the unspoken, physical language. What is beautiful and painful is that during the course of the play, the language unravels itself: with the drying up of communication, the characters become totally isolated. Not that this Seagull is morbid. You leave the theater purified, feeling connected to a language and community that usually has limited access for the hearing.

[meeuw] shows how a mission to make theater inclusive can go hand in hand with exceptional artistic discovery.”