Julius Trump: How We Missed More Than One Point
There have been several productions of Shakespeare plays which have chosen to directly and explicitly use said play to comment on politics; the idea goes surely even further back than Orson Welles' 1937 production of Caesar which focused on the rise of Fascism with a 'Hitler, Mussolini clone'. Caesar has resembled, in various productions, Huey Long, Margaret Thatcher, Tony Blair and even Obama. And yet there was something not quite right for me about Shakespeare in the Park's recent production of Julius Caesar which had funding pulled due to controversy.
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18 Questions About "36 Questions"
This space is normally devoted to critical looks at the dramaturgy of plays and musicals currently playing in New York, but after only two columns I’m already breaking the pattern. It’s for two good reasons. First, I recently listened to the world’s first podcast musical, 36 Questions, written and composed by Ellen Winter and Chris Littler. 36 Questions is not only an exciting idea, it’s also a cunningly written piece, as finely crafted as it is cutting edge. Second, I have the great good fortune to know Ellen Winter, who was a student of mine at Sarah Lawrence College where she studied theatre history and playwriting with me. I couldn’t resist the opportunity to speak to her and her collaborator, Chris Littler, about the show and how they put it together … bit by bit, piece by piece …
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Naked Shakespeare in the Park
Recently Torn Out Theatre presented an all male production of Hamlet in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. Here’s the kicker, this all male production performed the show naked! Yup, Naked Shakespeare in the park! You’re probably thinking one of two or three things, “what the hell is the world coming to?” “That’s a whole lot of dick!” Or “Yasssss show me the D.”
I had the lovely chance to talk with Marcus Stewart who plays Ophelia. I asked him about stereotypes, and being naked… duh.
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The Cast of 'Bastard Jones' & the Importance of Inclusiveness
Often diversity onstage doesn't mean Inclusion. Diversity usually entails having more than one "token" person of color in the ensemble. That is usually good enough for producers. This is hardly "good enough" and clearly doesn't represent what the world looks like. Where's the inclusion? I'm talking about people with disabilities. Why the hell aren't they represented in shows? Oh and here's the ridiculous part, if there is a "disabled" character, that role usually goes to an "able-bodied" actor. Seriously stupidest thing ever.
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Canadian Theatre Company takes on NYC this July
Soulpepper on 42nd Street is Soulpepper's US debut - a Festival of 12 Canadian productions, including original concerts. From July 1-29, the company is programming the entire Pershing Square Signature Center on 42nd St in New York, just off-Broadway.
Onstage Blog Canadian Contributor Damon Jang had a chance to attend Opening Night on Canada 150 on July 1st during his vacation in New York. Here is some facts about Soulpepper and the festival.
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The Public Theater Needs to Say "No" to Bank of America
Last month the Public Theater in New York became a national bulls-eye for Trump supporters over their modernized production of Julius Ceasar. The outrage resulted in protests and even audience members storming the stage during the show.
Rather than stand by the theatre and support artistic expression, two major sponsors decided to pull their financial support, Delta Airlines and Bank of America. Both companies stated how the actions depicted in the show went against their company's philosophies, which seemed newly adopted with the election of President Trump.
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ASIAN AF makes its NYC Premiere!
2016 was the year of white-washing, yellow-facing, and an all-around ordeal for Asian American representation. Asian-Americans reacted in different ways. So people created hashtags, some people created podcasts, and some people made a brilliant variety show.
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