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.
Shakespeare
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.
Fuse Book Interview: James Shapiro on America’s Complicated Relationship With Shakespeare
“Americans have been most drawn to the great tragedies—in our classroom and on our stages. “
Theater Review: Two Theatrical War Horses Come To Town
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.
Coming Attractions in Theater: February 2011
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 […]
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 […]
Commentary: Women of Will — The Complete Journey
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, […]
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: A Faint Touch of Evil
Shakespeare’s tragic characters, on the other hand, suffer from the Christian sin of pride: knowing you aren’t God, but trying to become Him—a sin of which any of us is capable. — W. H. Auden on Othello in Lectures on Shakespeare Othello by William Shakespeare. Directed by Steven Maler. Staged by the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company […]