ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE
What is chekhovOS about?
chekhovOS is inspired by Anton Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard, as well as his personal letters and other plays. The chekhovOS, or Chekhov Operating System, represents both Chekhov’s computer system and the worldview that governs his writing. Unable to escape this system, his characters are doomed to perpetually repeat their futile searches for happiness.
Inside the chekhovOS, you will interact with your charming host Natasha Prozorov (you may know her from Chekhov’s Three Sisters) as she guides you through this system. Throughout the experience, you will have the opportunity to make choices that could alter the fate of the characters--and the entire Operating System--forever.
You call this “an experimental game”.
What does that mean?
chekhovOS is an experiment in the intersection of live theatre, film, and video games. Video game technology has been used to create the virtual world of the Chekhov Operating System, and to provide opportunities for audience/gamers to interact directly with the world and characters and to make choices that impact what happens next. You can interact by going to www.chekhovOS.art.
How long is the performance?
The performances runs 1 hour 15 minutes, followed by a 30 minute talkback.
Is this a full performance
of a Chekhov play?
This performance includes scenes from Chekhov plays. It also includes live interactive scenes where audience/players can interact with the Chekhov Operating System.
This project is phase one of a larger Chekhov project in development for hybrid in-person/virtual production slated for 2022.
Is chekhovOS performed live?
Yes! chekhovOS includes a live and interactive performance occurring in real time, along with pre-recorded video elements.
You say audience members get to interact and make choices. What does that mean?
Throughout the performance, audience members will have the option to use their smartphone as a controller to make choices that will affect what happens next. You can interact by going to www.chekhovOS.art.
Some audience members will also be given the opportunity to interact directly with the performers via Zoom.
Is this performance suitable for children?
chekhovOS contains some strong language that may not be suitable for children. Recommended for 12+.
What are the talkbacks after each performance?
Each performance will be followed by a talkback moderated by a leader in the theatre or gaming industries. The moderator will be joined by some of the creators and performers of chekhovOS, who will answer questions about the production itself and the process of creating it. The talkbacks will take place at the same link as the performances, so nothing extra is needed to access them.
TICKETS
How do I get tickets?
Click here to reserve your free ticket. You must register in advance, and space is limited, so don’t wait.
How much do tickets cost?
Tickets to chekhovOS are free with a suggested donation, but must be reserved in advance. Click here to reserve your ticket!
How will I receive the link to the performance?
After you reserve your ticket, you will receive a link via email. The email will be coming from boxoffice@arlekinplayers.com. If you don’t see this email, please check your spam folder. If you still don’t see it, contact us at boxoffice@arlekinplayers.com.
HOW TO WATCH/INTERACT
How do I access the performance?
After registering for the performance, you will receive a Zoom link via email 1 day prior to your event date.
Do I need to download anything in order to watch the performance?
To participate in this virtual theater event, you must have access to the latest update of Zoom. You may download/update Zoom here: https://zoom.us/download
What equipment/devices do I need to watch the performance?
You can watch chekhovOS on a desktop computer, laptop, or tablet.
You will also need a smartphone in order to interact with the performance. The interactive features can be accessed at www.chekhovOS.art
How do I interact with the performance?
Throughout the performance, you will be able to use your smartphone as a remote control to interact with the performance, by accessing www.chekhovOS.art. You may also be invited to speak directly to the characters. If this happens, a button will appear on your Zoom screen prompting you to unmute yourself by clicking it.
Do I need headphones?
We recommend listening through headphones for the most immersive experience, but you can also use your computer or tablet speakers.
Can I pause or rewind the performance?
Because this is a live performance, you cannot pause or rewind.
What if I am late?
You will be able to join the performance in progress by clicking the Zoom link sent to you prior to the performance. Please note that because this is a live performance, you will not be able to rewind.
