ECU puts a bold spin on Chekhov with ‘Stupid F**king Bird’
East Carolina University’s School of Theatre and Dance is set to debut a production that reimagines a theatrical classic with bold irreverence and contemporary flair. “Stupid F**king Bird,” a modern adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s “The Seagull,” opens this week in McGinnis Theatre.
The show, directed by new faculty member Austin Jones, promises to blend humor, heartbreak and humanity in a way that resonates with modern audiences.
Jones, who joined the School of Theatre and Dance this academic year, brings more than a decade of passion for the source material.
“Even though it’s a decade old, it still has a very contemporary feel to it,” Jones said. “It’s tackling the same old issues that we’re always tackling, questions about fame, about love, about life, about how we want to change the world and how we can use art to change the world.”
Originally written by Aaron Posner between 2011 and 2013, “Stupid F**king Bird” retains the emotional depth and existential inquiries found in Chekhov’s original, while stripping away outdated formalities to deliver something more raw, relatable and reflective of today’s world.
Jones sees Chekhov’s influence as foundational to American theatre. “American kitchen sink drama has DNA rooted in Chekhov,” he said.
However, he acknowledged that the Russian playwright’s reputation can be a barrier for students and younger audiences. “That’s why Posner’s version works so well — it’s Chekhov for people who think they don’t like Chekhov.”
Behind the scenes, theatre arts major Tyler Healy has taken on multiple roles within the production, including dramaturgy and marketing. As the show’s dramaturg, Healy was responsible for researching both the original text and its adaptation.
“One of the biggest things about doing ‘Stupid F**king Bird’ is the source material, pulling from ‘The Seagull’ and then seeing what changes have been made,” Healy said. “But also, how the source material informs actor choices, story choices and the overall concept of the piece.”
Healy described her dramaturgical research as a “constantly growing and breathing document” that has guided the cast’s understanding of themes ranging from Russian theatrical history to modern considerations like gender, age and power dynamics in the entertainment industry.
In addressing the show’s intimate scenes, the team worked closely with an intimacy director to ensure performer safety and comfort. “One of the things that’s primary is making sure that the actors feel enthusiastically confident,” Jones said. The process mirrors stage combat choreography, where the illusion of physicality is achieved without crossing personal boundaries.
While the play explores complex emotional territory, Jones hopes it ultimately leaves audiences with a sense of cautious optimism.
“It’s easy to be cynical about the world we live in, about love, about art, about capitalism. But this version still leaves us with a bit of hope. Even every little bitty bit of effort that we put into changing it does affect it in some way,” he said.
To build interest around the production, Healy developed a unique marketing campaign that involved placing miniature seagull props labeled as “dead” around campus. Each seagull included the show’s Instagram handle to generate curiosity.
“The title’s in your face, and hopefully people will be like, ‘What? What is this?’ and be curious about it and want to come see it,” Healy said.
Both Healy and Jones emphasized the collaborative nature of theatre as central to the production’s success. For Healy, watching all the moving parts come together has been a rewarding experience. “Every single piece amounts to this beautiful final product,” she said.
That spirit of collaboration also extends to mentorship. Jones, who credits his own growth to observing seasoned directors, now enjoys the opportunity to share his process with students. Healy has taken full advantage of that access. “I have a note section on my computer, which is just observing Austin,” she said.
As “Stupid F**king Bird” prepares for its run, the production aims not just to entertain but to spark reflection and perhaps even inspire a deeper appreciation for Chekhov’s original work. “If they see this play and they’re like, ‘Wow, that was fun and enjoyable,’ then maybe they’ll go and read the original and find a new passion or love for it as well,” Jones said.
In a world that often feels uncertain, this irreverent yet heartfelt adaptation offers a rare blend of cynicism and hope, just the kind of story today’s audiences might need, he said.
“Stupid F**king Bird” will be performed in the McGinnis Theatre at 7:30 p.m. nightly beginning Wednesday with shows through Saturday night and a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee. Ticket information is available on the ECU Arts website.