Dear theatre friend,
My British friend and theatre critic, Philip Fisher, sent links to two plays which you can see now:
The first, “Memoirs of an Asian Football Casual” from Curve Theatre in Leicester, is wonderful– and, I’m hardly a football (a.k.a. soccer) fan! If you’re not convinced, read this four star review from The Guardian.
The second, “Amsterdam”, by Israeli playwright Maya Arad Yasur, comes from one of my favorite off-West End theatres, The Orange Tree, in Richmond, just outside London. Here’s a review from last year’s production.
These days, location isn’t important– but here’s a resource from our “local” BAM. The Leon Levy Digital Archive is a fascinating collection of archival material from BAM’s 150 year history. Interesting that Levy, a noted collector of antiquities, would fund the preservation of Brooklyn’s more recent cultural jewel. Although they promise to be putting more plays online soon, the archive is well worth perusing right now.
Whether you’re a fan of Joe’s Pub at The Public or The Metropolitan Opera, look at PBS for a wide-ranging list of much culture to watch while alone.
Today, I heard from a college friend, Bella Whelan, who wrote this long ago story (which I had forgotten):
“I was a speech pathology major and because of my great love of theatre, I was permitted one elective– I chose directing. The final exam required I direct a scene, and stage it with actors–I didn’t even know any theatre majors!
“When I announced my choice to the class, the recently seen “A View From the Bridge,” two of the most talented in the drama department immediately offered to join it—and I graciously accepted.
“I had gotten very lucky, but was still short one actor– the ingenue. Who could I ask? Why, of course, my closest friend at school, Carol Tambor. She joined in for a few weeks of intense rehearsals, despite making it clear she had no thespian aspirations — then, showtime!
“I got an ‘A’ in directing!”
Finally, do look at the discount ticket site, TDF, for content available this weekend. There’s a list of mostly Broadway, mostly excerpts except for “Oklahoma”– all three hours, with Hugh Jackman, on BroadwayHD . Enjoy!
I’ll be forced to find tales from my lifelong love affair with theatre and the arts if I don’t get more from you– please, please write a vignette — help to keep our connection alive for however long it takes.
And, once again, thank you for reading.
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.