Shakespeare

November Short Fuses — Materia Critica

November 3, 2022
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Each month, our arts critics — music, book, theater, dance, television, film, and visual arts — fire off a few brief reviews.

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Theater Review: “Cry Havoc” — The Bard on War, and the Pity of War

September 15, 2016
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Cry Havoc’s message: We expend energy in preparing young men and women for war, but no effort in re-engaging them into the life of not-war.

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Fuse Theater Review: Shakespearean Sublimity — “Red Velvet”

August 16, 2015
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As an aged Ira Aldridge, John Douglas Thompson creates a spellbinding picture of vulnerability and strength.

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Theater Feature: John Douglas Thompson on “Red Velvet” — Race and Shakespeare in the Nineteenth Century

August 8, 2015
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Few people are familiar with the achievement of nineteenth century African-American Shakespearean actor Ira Aldridge.

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Book Interview: James Shapiro on America’s Complicated Relationship With Shakespeare

May 1, 2014
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“Americans have been most drawn to the great tragedies—in our classroom and on our stages. “

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Theater Review: Two Theatrical War Horses Come To Town

October 17, 2012
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Two warhorses of the theater come to town: Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” trots along in the Globe Theatre touring production, while “War Horse” shows off the equine puppet body beautiful.

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Coming Attractions in Theater: February 2011

January 28, 2011
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A hold-onto-your seat month with some intriguing world premieres, including a musical version of a Korean folktale, an attempt to turn Aeschylus’s Prometheus Bound into a rock event, and a cerebral confab featuring Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Machiavelli. By Bill Marx. King Lear by William Shakespeare. Directed by Michael Grandage. NT Live screens the…

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Theater Review: Antony and Cleopatra Pitch Woo in Hartford

October 20, 2010
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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…

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Commentary: Women of Will — The Complete Journey

August 31, 2010
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The complete Women of Will is an exhausting adventure, led by a manically enthused and deeply generous and talkative tour director who also is a fabulous actor. Reviewed by Susan Miron Women of Will. Written and performed by Tina Packer. Directed by Eric Tucker. Featuring Tina Packer and Nigel Gore. At Shakespeare & Company, Lenox,…

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Culture Vulture: High-Energy ‘Richard III’

August 24, 2010
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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.

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