chekhovOS: an experimental theatre play video game starring Mikhail Baryshnikov as Chekhov

Chekhov as a video game? Yes, it’s here. US-based Arlekin Players Theatre is premiering chekhovOS /an experimental game/, an interactive online play based on Anton Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard.

chekovOS lets viewers peek into the operating system behind both Chekhov’s computer and the world in which his characters live, searching for happiness. Audience members can interact with the actors as they hang suspended in a virtual set crafted by studio ArtsEmerson.

Directed by Russian-born Igor Golyak, the project includes a special appearance from Latvian-born Russian-American dancer and choreographer Mikhail Baryshnikov, who stars as Chekhov himself. Other cast members include Tony-nominated actor Jessica Hecht as the cherry orchard’s landowner Ranveskaya, and Darya Denisova as Natasha Prozorov.

“Post-pandemic theatre has to re-examine and reimagine itself,” says Golyak. I find myself in constant dialogue with The Cherry Orchard. During a time of loss and recovery, it helps us explore connection, transition, loss, and the human yearning for happiness.”

chekhovOS /an experimental game/ will be streamed on the new platform zerogravity.art, a virtual theatre lab developed by Arlekin Players Theatre in partnership with ArtsEmerson.

The online performances will run between May and July. Find out more and buy your tickets here.