Beware of anyone who tries to sum up this stage version of Robert Anton Wilson‘s book Cosmic Trigger by Love and Will Productions because to get too much of a handle on this genuinely strange and wonderful production would diminish it. A play peopled by the likes of Aleister Crowley, William Burroughs, theatre pioneer Ken Campbell, the goddess Ishtar (summoned at the beginning of the play), and Timothy Leary is always going to promise something out of the ordinary. And it delivers in spades.

Courtesy of Cockpit Theatre.

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The Pulitzer Prize is renowned for celebrating pieces of work that not only capture a moment or movement but endure the test of time. The Color Purple is one of those novels. Penned by Alice Walker in the early 80s, Walker’s pivotal work, tackling a multitude of otherwise swept aside topics, still resonates today.

Courtesy of Scott Rylander.

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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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