Célestins Theatre Lyon – Poster illustration & design for Anton Chekhov’s – The Seagull 2019

This poster illustration was designed by Owen Gent in the 20th century for Anton Chekhov’s play, The Seagull, at the Célestins Theatre in Lyon. The image presents us with a clear visual metaphor. A seagull stands on a gun; this references a pivotal moment in Chekhov’s play when a character shoots a seagull and lays it at the feet of Nina, a young woman he loves. The play explores the complex relationships between art, love, and life, themes that resonate with the social context of late 19th century Russia, with its rigid social hierarchies and intellectual ferment. This poster reflects the theatre's role as a cultural institution that shapes the reception of Chekhov's work for new audiences. By examining the poster in the context of both the play's historical setting and the theater's contemporary role, we can better understand the ongoing dialogue between art, society, and interpretation. Historians might consult theater archives, reviews, and critical analyses to further illuminate this poster's place in cultural history.