Theater

Much Ado About Very Little

Alexis Camins / Truthdig Dec 30, 2016 What does it take to put on a Shakespeare play in a Midwestern regional theater? A new book seeks to answer this question, but far more interesting questions are left unasked. Dig deeper ( 6 Min. Read )

‘By Women Possessed: A Life of Eugene O’Neill’

By Nelson Pressley Dec 16, 2016 His creative career as one of America's greatest playwrights is unmatched. It is as difficult to put down this exhaustively reported re-examination of O'Neill's dark family backstory as it is to ignore fresh productions of his great plays. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

‘Notes of a Native Song’: Writer James Baldwin’s Work Resonates in the Time of Trump

Jordan Riefe / Truthdig Dec 16, 2016 Musical artist Stew’s ode to the literary icon is particularly welcome now, when Baldwin's words have taken on fresh significance. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

Writer and Actress Lynn Ferguson on the Art—and Power—of Storytelling

Eileen Cronin / Truthdig Nov 10, 2016 The sister of comedian Craig Ferguson is a versatile performer, whether she’s doing stand-up, improv or a "Moth Radio Hour" story. She also teaches others how to tell stories and master their craft. Dig deeper ( 5 Min. Read )

‘The Source’ Delves Deeply Into the Tale of Chelsea Manning

Jordan Riefe / Truthdig Oct 21, 2016 Now playing in Los Angeles, the oratorio by Ted Hearne patches the whistleblower’s story together using songs, video, Twitter feeds, cable news reports, testimony and transcripts. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

White House Arts and Humanities Medals Recognize Americans’ Collective Experience

Clara Romeo / Truthdig Sep 28, 2016 As the nation nears the end of a highly divisive political season, President Obama uses the awards ceremony to focus on common ground. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

Portraying the Mexican-American Experience in Six Hours

Jordan Riefe / Truthdig Sep 23, 2016 "A Mexican Trilogy: An American Story" is an epic production for the Latino Theater Company’s epic anniversary: telling the stories of its often-ignored community for 30 years. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

George Carlin’s Daughter Calls for a Second Look at ‘Political Correctness’

Staff / Truthdig Aug 10, 2016 "We can pretend that [political correctness will] make a better world because we’ll all be pleasant with each other, but if you don’t know about the Nazis and who they are, then they become the hidden enemy," says Kelly Carlin (shown), daughter of the late comedian. Dig deeper ( 5 Min. Read )

A Racist Mecca, a Black Architect and Odious Politics That Refuse to Die

Jordan Riefe / Truthdig Aug 8, 2016 “Blueprint for Paradise,” in its world premiere in Los Angeles, is powered by an odd, real-life California tale of a pre-war Nazi center and its acclaimed designer, Paul Williams Sadly, the political rot explored by the play survives: Check out the 2016 presidential campaign “Blueprint for Paradise,” in its world premiere in Los Angeles, is powered by an odd, real-life California tale of a pre-war Nazi center and its acclaimed designer, Paul Williams. Dig deeper ( 5 Min. Read )

An American Formerly Imprisoned in Iran Finds a Way to Break Out of ‘The Box’

Emily Wilson / Truthdig Jul 16, 2016 After experiencing the horror of solitary confinement for over a year, Sarah Shourd now is using storytelling and the theater to heal herself and others. Dig deeper ( 11 Min. Read )

Polish Consulate in L.A. Declines to Support Theater’s Production of a Polish Play

By Jordan Riefe Jul 11, 2016 An avant-garde theater group thought it had the backing of a Polish consul in Los Angeles to stage “Right Left With Heels,” which had enjoyed rave reviews in Warsaw -- until the consul read the script.An avant-garde theater group thought it had the backing of a Polish consul in Los Angeles to stage “Right Left With Heels”—until the consul read the script. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

John Leguizamo Makes ‘Latino History’

Emily Wilson / Truthdig Jul 6, 2016 The kinetic performer thought he’d sworn off solo stage shows, but a glaring failure of the American educational system has spurred him to create a hilarious new show to teach audiences the history we have been missing. Dig deeper ( 6 Min. Read )