Dear theatre friends,
Among far too many obituaries of late was that of Rene Buch, founder of Repertorio Espagnol. I had written earlier about streaming “Boxcar” (“Vagon”)— perhaps after reading about his remarkable life and devotion to Spanish language plays, you’ll give it a try.
Last year, I went to Repertorio for “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” with my intrepid fellow theatergoing friend, Martha Sproule. After reading Junot Diaz’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, I was curious about the adaptation, in Spanish (which I don’t speak.)
Martha and I spoke yesterday about the unforgettable experience of being in this small, welcoming playhouse and seeing a work in another language. Perhaps it’s a memory which remains so fresh because, other than the quality of the production, it required additional concentration to translate simultaneously.
Last week I wrote about Jermyn Street Theatre’s rehearsed reading of “The Skin Game” by Tony Cox. The good news is that over 3,000 people saw it! Since it’s free, but of course donations are welcome, I don’t know how much money was raised. I do know that the production would had had to have at least 42 sold out performances to reach this size audience– the house holds merely 70 seats. A new model for closed theatres?
You only have until 2:30 today to catch “The Skin Game,” but then, you can see another. This week it is Terence Rattigan’s penultimate play, “In Praise of Love,” I do hope Jermyn Street will reach an even larger audience for this wonderfully received play– inspired by the relationship between actors Rex Harrison and Kay Kendall, in their last chapter.
Another U.K. offering is “Love Letters Straight From the Heart,” by Uninvited Guest, produced by Fuel (“Barber Shop Chronicles.”) This is a feel good delight, which was sold out in 2009 at the Edinburgh Fringe and has continued to make audience swoon ever since. Here’s the Guardian review of that early production.
Here’s the Don’t Miss for this week: Thursday, the 28th, begins the National Theatre Live production of James Graham’s “This House,” again only streaming for a week. You may well be sick of politics, but do take heart– this brilliant historic assessment is about British chaos, not ours! Here’s the 2016 five star Guardian review.
What have you planned for 9am tomorrow, the 27th? You might want to enroll in a well received workshop from my friend, advisor, Guardian journalist and arts reviewer, Mark Fisher. His “How to Write About Theatre” is available on Zoom. After his successful books have been repeatedly reprinted, he decided to use this time to teach his craft. Do join– even if you don’t expect to be a professional theatre critic!
Have you had the pleasure of exploring Playbill’s Vault? It’s like rummaging through your favorite theatre-addicted grandmother’s dusty attic and finding a trove of Playbills! Lots of clips, news etc. on this site as well.
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’? Or, are you overwhelmed by choice?
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.