Since its first appearance on stage in 1896, Anton Chekhov’s “The Seagull” has been translated more than 25 times, been performed all around the globe and even been adapted into a ballet.

However, before it was a success, it was a failure.

Chekov’s play was booed off the stage until Constantin Stanislavski took over as director and producer. After reintroducing it to the masses, the play was considered one of the greatest performances in Russian history.

Consisting of four acts, numerous characters and more than a few love triangles, The Seagull is unique in that most of its lines contain what is known as “subtext” in the theater world.

Subtext is employed when characters indirectly address situations with their lines. Their thoughts and actions can also be revealed through subtext without ever being stated. This gets the audience psychologically involving in the play; it forces people to think about what the character is trying to convey.

No stranger to Chekhov, Brent Leblanc, senior in performing arts, has been cast as Konstantin Gavrilovich Treplyov, a novice playwright.

“Konstantin has ties with everyone and things he needs from them. His need for love from other characters is a major part of it,” Leblanc said.

Taylor Sklenar, junior in chemistry and English, has been cast as Boris Alexeyevich Trigorin. Portraying an eminent writer, Trigorin is perhaps one of Chekhov’s more notable characters.

“I feel akin to Trigorin in that I myself have a passion for writing,” Sklenar said. “But Trigorin has one up on me because he is already considered a successful writer by the time the action of the play starts.”

The aforementioned love triangles are laden with dramatic conflicts, so much so that Chekhov once reported there to be “five poods of love.” A “pood” is an outdated Russian measurement of weight, five of them equaling approximately 180 pounds.

Chekhov doesn’t present this love as the stereotypical mushy, head-over-heels, star-crossed lovers that generally has been overplayed. Instead, the play contains unrequited love laced with misery and troubles that maintain and build interest throughout the play.

Despite the lovers’ hardships, The Seagull falls under the comedy genre. While attending the play, it might be beneficial to keep in mind the phrase “where there is darkness, there is light.”

Providing plays that contained tragedy within comedy is a distinctive trait attributed to Chekhov, an uncommon talent that surprised audiences back in the play’s early years.

Plays from around the world encompassing a variety of genres are on the agenda for our theater department this year, starting with a Russian tragicomedy. With such a stimulating plot and an even more interesting background, “The Seagull” provides a strong start for ISU Theatre’s first performance.

What: “The Seagull”

Where: Stephens Auditorium

When: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 27 and 28, Oct. 4 and 5; 2 p.m. Sept. 29 and Oct. 6

Cost: adults $17, seniors $15, students $9.