Acclaimed playwright and screenwriter Michael Cristofer’s script is very open about portraying Emile Griffith’s sexuality.
John Douglas Thompson
Fuse Theater Review: Shakespearean Sublimity — “Red Velvet”
As an aged Ira Aldridge, John Douglas Thompson creates a spellbinding picture of vulnerability and strength.
Theater Feature: John Douglas Thompson on “Red Velvet” — Race and Shakespeare in the Nineteenth Century
Few people are familiar with the achievement of nineteenth century African-American Shakespearean actor Ira Aldridge.
Theater Review: Shakespeare & Co Mounts a Powerful Staging of “Mother Courage”
Olympia Dukakis makes good on her desire to evoke the weakness the indomitable Mother Courage fights so hard to cover up: the actress conveys the highs and lows of this gargantuan character with enormous power.
Theater Review: Antony and Cleopatra Pitch Woo in Hartford
The Hartford Stage may be far from the shores of the Nile, but this lively production of Antony & Cleopatra and the company’s rejuvenated theater space are fit for the entertainment of a Pharaoh. Anthony & Cleopatra by William Shakespeare. Directed by Tina Landau. At the Hartford Stage, 50 Church Street, Hartford, CT, through November […]
Culture Vulture: High-Energy ‘Richard III’
Reviewed by Helen Epstein I saw Shakespeare & Company‘s excellent production of Richard III in Lenox, MA last weekend (through September 5 at Founders’ Theatre), with an exceptionally strong ensemble that was kicked into high gear by a high-energy performance from John Douglas Thompson in the title role.
Theater Review: The Metaphysical Urgency of “Richard III”
Actor John Douglas Thompson can captivate, seduce, and thrill any audience in any play, which is exactly what he did, once again, in Shakespeare & Company’s enthralling new production of The Life and Death of King Richard III. The Life and Death of King Richard III by William Shakespeare. Directed by Jonathan Croy. Conceived and […]
Culture Vulture: July Highlights in the Berkshires
By Helen Epstein For Stephen Sondheim fans there’s the Barrington Stage Company production of Sweeney Todd that runs till July 17. I’m waiting for Yasmina Reza’s Art , which is directed by Henry Wishcamper and runs from July 22 through August 7.
Culture Vulture at Shakespeare & Company
Like many devotees of Shakespeare & Company, I’ve long been an admirer of Tod Randolph, who over the last thirteen years in the Berkshires has given indelible and exceptionally intelligent performances of such Shakespearean roles as Desdemona and Portia. Miriam Hyman (Donna) and John Douglas Thompson (Dad) in “The Dreamer Examines his Pillow” at Shakespeare […]