In 1896, when it was first produced, The Seagull, a comedy, caused a great stir due to its unconventionality. Nowadays, however, it is considered to represent a hallmark of Chekhov’s style and his interest in romantic triangles while expressing basic ideas about the function of art. In a letter to a friend in 1896, Chekhov wrote:
»I am writing something strange /.../ I swear fearfully at the conventions of the stage. It's a comedy, there are three women's parts, six men's, four acts, landscapes (view over a lake); a great deal of conversation about literature, little action, tons of love.«
The Seagull being a play about failed romances and generational conflicts is also a play about theatre and art generally. Irina Arkadina, a famous actress, is spending the summer with her lover, a well known novelist Trigorin, on her brother's estate. Her son Treplyov produces a play at an improvised stage in the garden together with Nina, the landowner's daughter. During the performance, Irina cannot restrain herself from making inappropriate remarks, causing Treplyov to storm off in disgrace. The next day Treplyov shoots a seagull and places it at Nina's feet while she’s conversing with Trigorin. Treplyov loves Nina, while Nina is in love with Trigorin, which is a terrible blow for Treplyov who wants to become a famous novelist himself. Nina is determined to become a great actress. Treplyov and Nina both suffer form unrequited love. They find their only solace in art, which, however fails to bring them a peace of mind and happiness.
The characters’ tormented love affairs as well as their generational and artistic conflicts lead to a tragic dénouement of the play. The Seagull remains, due to its theme of complex human relations and a set of intriguing characters to enact, a play that appeals to all generations.