ArtsEmerson: ‘chekhovOS /an experimental game/’

chekhovOS /an experimental game/, is a performance experiment in development by Arlekin Players Theatre’s founder and director Igor Golyak, who has been a leading innovator of virtual theater since the start of the pandemic. His recent State vs. Natasha Banina was a Critic’s Pick in The New York Times by Maya Phillips, who declared “The verdict is in: the virtual can, in fact, be an effective new stage for theater.”

Golyak’s latest work fuses film, theatre, and video game technology to create a new medium where viewers are able to interact with the performers. Inspired by Anton Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard, and drawing from recordings of Chekhov’s letters and dreams, this interactive online theatre experience accesses the operating system behind both Chekhov’s computer and the world in which his characters live, searching for happiness.

Followed by live talkback with members of the cast and creative team Moderated by Rob Orchard, founder and creative consultant, ArtsEmerson.

This live and interactive virtual experience takes place on June 6 at 8:00 pm ET. The FREE show lasts 90 minutes, and is meant for ages 12+. This performance is in English and Russian with English subtitles.