Gusev tells the story of a young army private, recently discharged, on a voyage home from his posting in Siberian coast. Infected with tuberculosis, Gusev drifts in and out of consciousness, experiencing poignant dreams of domestic idylls, and terrifying nightmares just as primal and powerful as the powerful ocean, whose rolling waves and abyssal depths lurk just beyond the ship’s hull.

Gusev marks Breaking String Theater’s first collaboration with noted choreographer Erica Gionfriddo, whose dance compositions help express Gusev’s stunning hallucinations and the ocean’s awe-inspiring power—essential elements in Chekhov’s dark, hopeful tale of a young man’s coming to terms with his own passing into the next world.

Featuring Keith Machekanyanga as Gusev, Steve Price as Pavel Ivanych, with Brock England, Hunter Sturgis, Sergio Alvarado, Zac Crofford, Amy Morrow and Jenny Alperin.

The creative team includes Erica Gionfriddo (choreography), Ia Enstera (set), Natalie George (lighting), Pam Friday (costumes), Robert Fisher (sound) and Julia Smith (projection).