Dear theatre friends, It’s with a heavy heart I’m writing today– and, no, this is not an April Fool’s joke. This morning I received the official announcement from the Fringe Society that this August’s Festival will not proceed. When you read this statement from Shona McCarthy, you’ll know how difficult a decision it was for Edinburgh’s Fringe Society, which has presented the largest arts festival in the world since 1947. Personally, the Fringe has offered me an opportunity to see, and understand, artists from around the world through their theatrical work. It has been my privilege to have attended for over twenty years, and to have given my Award since 2004. My heart goes out to all those who were counting on presenting their work this year — I can only hope that it will be possible for them to return in August 2021. During this unreal period of isolation, you can see “Much Ado About Nothing” on WNET. I do wish this were more aptly entitled, however it was described as ‘delicious’ in this New York Times review from last summer in Central Park. I hope you can all picture a time when we can be together at the Delacorte Theatre. For another Shakespeare, albeit a far more serious play, you can stream “Hamlet” by The Wooster Group– in its inimitable style. This time, recreating Richard Burton’s performance from 1964! You may not want to miss this when you read this New York Times review. You can now see the well received “Endgame” with Alan Cumming and Daniel Radcliffe starting today, for a limited few performances, on Digital Theatre, a British streaming service. Here’s the Guardian review. Since it’s been so difficult to get you highly literate readers to engage us with some interesting tale, something to help bind our community during this extended period — I’ve come up with another idea: Please send your own review of any play you’ve been watching online. I’d like to share your experience of a very different way of seeing theatre. I’d like to continue to write because so many have expressed their enjoyment of reading — but I must have content!
I’ll return soon with good news, and some not so good, like the cancellation of my favorite Festival.
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.