MICHAEL BARAKIVA

Director • Writer • Producer

THE SEAGULL

By Anton Chekhov

Blue Heron Roundtable Ensemble, New York, NY

"Michael Barakiva’s adaptation of the Roundtable’s production of The Seagull fuses together the tragedies of life and the comedy found in everyday moments. The two often have an uneasy co-existence, but here they play off one another quite nicely."

- Amy Somensky

"Barakiva’s adaptation and his direction polish the sharp edges of Chekhov’s comedic sensibility, presenting a play that cuts you to the quick even as you laugh."

- Jennifer Ernst

"Director Barakiva’s concept of “focusing on the comedy found in everyday life” provides a welcome respite from the gloomy interior of Chekhov’s world and serves to heighten the tragedy that eventually befalls these people."

- Lindsey Wilson

"It is perhaps director Barakiva's foremost, overarching achievement that he presents a thoroughly credible sense of family with his strong, charismatic cast. It is a rare thing to see a group of actors bring a play to the stage with such confidence, passion, and wisdom as the actors of The Roundtable Ensemble have done with The Seagull. This is top-drawer theater from start to finish."

- Brook Stowe