Dear theatre friends,
I wasn’t planning on overwhelming you with choices, but too many is better than too few– correct?
Here’s an opportunity to visit the Stratford Festival without traveling to Canada– see their 2014 wonderfully reviewed production of “King Lear”— on until this Thursday, the 14th.
Also part of Stratford’s 12-play Festival is “Coriolanus,” directed by superstar, Robert Lepage, until the 21st. The New York Times described this production as “riveting and troubling.” You may not care to wait for the next “Coriolanus” coming from National Theatre Live At Home— or might want to see both and make your own comparisons!
A rarity– how much Japanese theatre have you seen? The Japan Society is streaming , “Robot Theater” and “Ronin Office Ladies”– a double bill of one-acts by Seinendan Theatre Company. Both are on until May 28th and may be the perfect getaway from the here and now.
I can guarantee you’ll love “Seawall,” written by Simon Stephens (“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time”) for Andrew Scott. I saw it at the Edinburgh Festival long before Andrew was known as the sexy priest from “Fleabag.” Read this Guardian review from that production at Traverse Theatre in 2009. Just up for a week– don’t miss!
Another recommendation is “Bravo Figaro,” by Mark Thomas. Mark may not be well known here, but in the UK this political satirist and comedian-provocateur is perennially sold-out at the Edinburgh Fringe. I adored this heartfelt homage to his opera-loving father —one time only, 2:30 pm, Thursday May 14th.
I’m very curious to see Complicite’s “The Encounter”— available May 15th to the 22nd. I was completely mesmerized and magically transported to the Amazon rainforest when it was at Edinburgh’s International Festival– my first experience with individual headphones. How will it be without that aural component? Worth checking out, as I’m sure you’ll agree after reading this Guardian review.
Here’s a reminder not to miss the memorable Irish Rep production of “Molly Sweeney” by Brian Friel. It’s on only from today until Friday, the 15th. You will thank me for the nudge!
Complete change of pace– The Geffen Playhouse presented “Letters From a Nut,” produced by Jerry Seinfeld, an adaptation of Barry Marder’s book of the same name. It may be the light respite you require, as described in this review.
That’s all for now– as I receive news I’ll pass it along. But don’t completely fill your calendars yet– more shows are continuing to find their way to our screens.
Aren’t we fortunate to be living during this plague and not Sophocles’?
Again, if you discover other theatre-related news– please get in touch: Carol@BestofEdinburgh.org.
And, need I reiterate? I’d like to continue to write because so many have expressed their enjoyment of reading– but I must have content!
Please send other theatre related information, or do try to recall a story you’d like me to post.
Carol Tambor publishes a monthly newsletter, which announces worthy shows coming to New York, along with occasional information about London theatre and, of course, the Edinburgh Fringe.