ORONO—If Anton Chekov were alive today, he might be tickled about "Stupid F##king Bird," an irreverent contemporary adaptation of his 1896 play “The Seagull” to debut this weekend of February 23-25 at The University of Maine. 

Written by Aaron Posner, and directed by Dan Billodeau, the story centers around an aspiring young director who rampages against the art created by his mother’s generation while a nubile young actress wrestles with an aging Hollywood star for the affections of a renowned novelist. And everyone discovers just how disappointing love, art, and growing up can be. "Stupid F##king Bird" stages a timeless battle between young and old, past and present, in search of the true meaning of it all.

As The Washington Post described it: “Aaron Posner’s savvy, petulant blitz through Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull [is] less an adaptation of Chekhov’s landmark drama than a funny, moving slugfest, a ripe mashup of mock and awe…sometimes it blows Chekhov up, and sometimes the play explodes with a genuinely Chekhovian release of emotion. The show is smart enough to have it both ways: It mines ‘The Seagull’ for classical heft even while giving it the bird.”

“This is probably one of the best plays I’ve ever read,” said Billodeau. “I’ve worked on about a dozen plays and this is by far, the best script. It’s a completely fresh take on one of the greatest works of Russian drama.It’s a commentary on artists and theater and actually makes fun of itself all throughout the play.”

"Stupid F##king Bird," runs February 23-24 and March 2-3 at 7:30 p.m.; February 25 and March 4 at 2 p.m.; and March 1 at 10 a.m. in Hauck Auditorium. Admission: $12, or free with a student MaineCard. Note: this play contains adult situations and mature content.

For tickets and more info visit: University of Maine’s School of Performing Arts

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com