Dear theatre friends,
From Leicester’s Curve Theatre, today and for three days only, watch “The Importance of Being Ernest.” If you hadn’t already, try “Memoirs of An Asian Football Casual” too. Tonight at 5:15 EST, there’s a very special show called “The Olivier Awards Greatest Moments.” The only catch is that it will be broadcast on ITV. Here’s a link to watching ITV in the U.S.
I’ve received many thanks for sharing links to plays to see now, albeit virtually. You might have noticed that most are from U.K. and Irish companies. Although I’m unabashedly in love with British and Irish plays, I’ve beseeched many NY artistic and executive directors as well. They have all declined because of “union red tape.” I’ve heard complaints before (under very different, previous circumstances) about U.S. Equity– actors and companies would like to promote their work by taping shows– Equity hasn’t allowed it– even though a great percentage of their members are not working a minimum of 20 hours per week! Needless to say, the situation is dire now and actors/companies need to stay in producers’ minds.
Does anyone have ideas for getting Equity to relax their rules during these extraordinary times???
Some good news from Edinburgh Fringe Chairman, Sir Timothy O’Shea:”Fortunately, the Scottish Government and Edinburgh City Council have provided additional support that will see us through to August 2021. Whatever else happens, a large part of the Fringe is now morphing into online modes and a much bigger online Fringe is a certainty. There should be some sort of physical theatre this August– certainly some of the venues will put on a reduced programme if that is allowed by the authorities.”
Please stay tuned for updates on which Fringe shows will become available. Also, The National Theatre of Scotland has announced online programming coming soon. Don’t miss the short, “I See You” on their site.
It struck me that when I last visited London just two months ago, I saw two shows which I had seen on film: “The Witness For the Prosecution” and “The Boyfriend.” Needless to say the experience on film and onstage is quite different. Could critics freshly observe Ivo Von Hove’s “West Side Story” without comparing it to the iconic 1961 movie? For The Daily Beast reviewer,the play falls short. Did you see both?
I’ve recently seen National Theatre Live’s “All My Sons” and kept picturing Edward G. Robinson and Burt Lancaster in the 1948 film. Conversely, the magnificent Yiddish “Fiddler on the Roof” was so enthralling, as you can see from this joyful six minutevideo, I didn’t think of the film for a minute!
Please share your experiences of watching both the film and live versions of the same play– and which you saw first. I think it will clarify what is unique about live performance– and why we’re missing it. Also– if there’s a broadcast you’ve liked which we can see, do tell us.
Last note– watch National Theatre Live At Home version of “Jane Eyre,” beginning Thursday for a week. I hope you’ll be able to watch this beautiful, streamlined, very theatrically staged production without a thought for the 1943 movie with Orson Welles and Joan Fontaine.
And my constant plea—send your own review of any play you’ve been watching online. I’d like to share your experience of this very different way of seeing theatre. Also, any interesting personal tidbit– related to the theatre or not.
I’d like to continue to write because so many have expressed their enjoyment of reading– but I must have content! Do try to recall a story you’d like me to post.
No matter how bleak the current theatre scene looks– remember, we’re all in this together!
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.