Tony Kushner combines realism and the supernatural in his gay fantasia about community, identity and migration in the late 20th century. Consisting of two parts that add up to approximately eight hours running time, Angels in America has the scope of a great American novel. It is intensely political whilst focusing on the effect of AIDS on the gay community in the 1980s and the passivity of society and the political forces. Reagan only acknowledged the severity of the epidemic when his long-time friend Rock Hudson died of AIDS.

Courtesy of Helen Maybanks.

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York International Shakespeare Festival is off to a cracking start this year, with performances scattered all across this historic city enticing local folk to indulge in a slice of dramatic culture. York Theatre Royal of course lead the way in this endeavour, displaying two of Shakespeare’s most iconic plays, the tragic story of Romeo and Juliet and the frightfully comedic Twelfth Night.

Courtesy of York Theatre Royal.

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A two-pronged storyline creates greatness and confusion in similar measure. Euripides’ Medea: A barbarian princess has married the hero Jason after aiding his quest for the Golden Fleece; is abandoned by him for a more royal match and, in revenge, accomplishes the murder of Jason’s new wife, and Medea’s own children.

Courtesy of Bristol Old Vic.

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Classical ballet at its finest! The Birmingham Royal Ballet’s three part performance selection is smart, well thought out and engaging for all to enjoy. After a long anticipated return to the York Theatre Royal stage, the space is packed full of enthusiastic audience members, who can’t help but applaud after every second bar. A grand affair!

Courtesy of York Theatre Royal.

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Suspense is created and built from the beginning when Father Horrigan is being questioned in between two men; their positions suggesting this is more than a mere conversation.

Courtesy of The Royal Court.

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Introducing a new segment to both Theatrefullstop and New Ottawa Critics. As two independent blogger collectives, we are both inspired by what theatrically is happening beyond our borders. Each month, we will correspond with all the latest happenings in our cultural cities. This is an opportunity to learn, be inspired, communicate and collaborate!

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Tessellating masses of bodies fly everywhere. Bright, exotic colours fill the stage. A projection gives a clear image of the world we are in. Soho, a place full of class, sleaze, seduction, style and warmth; an area I frequent often. Stufish have created a piece that blends many mediums of performance; through circus, theatre, dance, and martial arts the audience are taken on a journey along the exciting streets of this well-known location.

Courtesy of Stufish.

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Before pursuing a career in acting, Phina Oruche graced many a fashion campaign, most notably for Gap and worked alongside the modelling holy trinity; Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington. Oruche’s career however wouldn’t stop there as she’d later pursue a career in television, taking on various roles including the self assured Liberty Baker in the ground breaking Footballer’s Wives. Oruche is now taking on another role; that of writer in her debut show Identity Crisis.  Read on to find out more about the show.

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The questioning of identity is a continual inherent battle we all fight. How we may perceive ourselves isn’t necessarily how others will. But do we aspire for these various perceptions of ourself to align so that we’re all singing from the same hymn sheet? Or do we embrace that identity is multi-faceted? Actress, model and theatre maker Phina Oruche‘s Identity Crisis addresses this mercurial phenomena.

Courtesy of Ovalhouse Theatre.

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In her new production of Salomé, South African director Yaël Farber rejects the character painted by 19th century writers such as Oscar Wilde and creates a nameless resistance fighter instead whose actions lead to major political upheaval in the Middle East.

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