Dear theatre friends,
I hope you’re reading this early today so you’ll have time to see “The Oedipus Project UK” at 2pm. I wrote about this this previously, but this stellar cast is worth a second mention and a none too subtle nudge– do register.
I’m overjoyed to report that the next Old Vic in Camera is “Faith Healer,” by the iconic Irish dramatist, Brian Friel. Tickets will be for sale to the general public on September 7th– mark your calendars!
Although Friel died in 2015, he remains brightly alive in my memory. Most recently, online, I hope you saw “Molly Sweeney.” In homage to his craft, you might want to stream the filmed versions of “Philadelphia, Here I Come” and the often revived, “Dancing at Lughnasa”– here with Meryl Streep and Michael Gambon.
The Guardian will be broadcasting a “Conversation with Tom Stoppard” on September 30th. if you, too, think Stoppard in one of our most intelligent contemporary playwrights, make certain you purchase a ticket for this event.
In a past century before… On February 10th 2020, I saw Stoppard’s “Leopoldstadt” in London with dear friend and Edinburgh Fringe chair, Sir Timothy O’Shea and his family. Stoppard was there, looking rather worn. He had publicly predicted that this was to be his last play– and I was extraordinarily privileged to see it— from the front row!
I hope you have many rich memories to sustain you through this drought. Please send a special one to me, so I might share with other readers. I’ll try not to shed too many tears over our collective loss.
Looking to the future, there are many burgeoning writers with much to say. If you like new work, do try “Riverside Reads,” a monthly program presented by Riverside Studios in Hammersmith. Discussions will follow.
Closer to home all month, you can see virtual staged readings from Urban Stages at “Playfest.” They’ve announced that there’ll be accompanying interviews, as well as an opportunity to donate.
Finally, Primary Stages has moved back to their former home at 59e59 Theater. Until we can join them there, you can see their Virtual Fall Season, where else— at home! It begins with “Tribute Artist” by Charles Busch, who also stars. Looks like lots of much needed fun. Enjoy!
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.