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THEATRE

Theatre Is Facing A Crisis Of Theatre Workers

“The sector was one of the worst affected by the lockdowns and many, including BECTU, called for a post-pandemic ‘reset’ to address poor terms and conditions, modernise the industry and create fairer working conditions. Members tell us that little has improved." - The Stage

Royal Shakespeare Co. And Chicago Shakespeare Begin Their First Collaboration

"On Friday, for the first time in some 30 years, (the RSC) will open a show in Chicago — William Shakespeare’s Pericles, now in previews. … There are plans for more collaborations between the two companies. RSC co-artistic director Tamara Harvey ... spoke to the Tribune about the production and future plans." - Chicago Tribune (MSN)

Why Are American Theatres Producing Less Shakespeare?

Over the past 10 years, as American politics and culture have grown more contentious, Shakespeare has become increasingly politicized. - The New York Times

Off-Off-Broadway Theater Company Told It Must Clear All Productions With Its Landlord — The Catholic Church

For years, the Connelly Theater has been performing in two auditoriums at a Catholic school in Manhattan’s East Village. In recent months, the Archdiocese of New York has started scrutinizing scripts and denying permission to stage in the building anything deemed contrary to Catholic teaching. - The New York Times

“My Fair Lady” At 60: A Linguist Takes A Look

It is no coincidence that women and working-class people (and Cockneys who are often seen as emblematic of the working class) often bear the brunt of accent prejudice. - The Conversation

British Film And Drama Schools Aren’t Exactly Filled With Working-Class Students

Actor Naomi Scott, who didn’t go to drama school, would like to change the chances for young working-class Brits interested in acting with material support. “We can do our small bit to maybe help some people have a clearer path to what they want to do.” - BBC

The Emergency Tailors Of New York Comic Con

"Armed with glue guns, zip ties, Popsicle sticks and safety pins, the Paladins of Cosplay come ready to fix.” - The New York Times

John Leguizamo Has Written His First Play For More Than One Actor

Not to worry: it's still about Hispanic Americans, and he's still starring. "Not bragging on myself, but Molière wrote all his plays for himself and he was the lead in all his plays," Leguizamo says. "So I’m fancying myself a little bit as a Latin Molière." - The Washington Post (MSN)

How Julie Taymor Staged “The Lion King” And Made It The Most Successful Musical In History

"Her work's distinctly international flavour and its heavy use of masks and puppetry inspired by Indonesian and Japanese traditions didn't necessarily scream family-friendly commercial juggernaut. Nonetheless, (Disney Theatricals chief) Thomas Schumacher had a hunch Taymor's highly visual style of theatre could be just the thing." - BBC

Fragments From Two Lost Plays By Euripides Discovered

The text — 98 lines, of which only 20 were previously known, from the plays Ino and Polyidus — were written on a piece of parchment found in the ancient village of Philadelphia, 62 miles southwest of Cairo. - History Today

This Revival Of Yellow Face On Broadway Is Not, In Fact, Bad

That’s because it’s the play Yellow Face, by David Henry Hwang, that "centers around a fictionalized playwright named DHH.” - Gothamist

How To Become A Blue Man

"They must become expert drummers. They’ll also learn to spit paint onto a spinning canvas, catch a dozen rapid-fire marshmallows in their mouths and then be prepared for absolutely anything the audience might throw at them. Hundreds audition every year across the globe. Only a handful ultimately get hired." - WBEZ (Chicago)

How American Sign Language Is Transforming “American Idiot”

"Now, this revival of that show is proving, with gusto, that American Idiot can be yet another thing: a near-scientific study of the innumerable ways to give somebody the finger." - The New York Times

“Suffs” To Close On Broadway

The show has struggled to sell enough tickets to defray its running costs, and on Friday night the producers announced that it would close on Jan. 5. At the time of its closing, it will have had 24 previews and 301 regular performances. The show announced plans for a national tour in September 2025. - NY Times

Seattle’s Book-It Theatre Rises Again

This new incarnation of Book-It will not be a producing company. They are not hiring a staff or planning a full season. You cannot buy a subscription. They’re starting with one show, a co-production running Oct. 10-20 at Vashon Repertory Theatre. After that? They’re not sure yet. - Seattle Times

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