RON JACOBS recommends a book that charts the disparate circumstances that defined the lives of two prominent black Afro-Americans — one a communist, the other an anti-communist
Little Red Riding Hood
Sherman Theatre, Cardiff
PUTTING on a Christmas production for 3-6-year-olds is a tough proposition especially when the story is iconic. But Cardiff’s Sherman Theatre has attempted it with director Alice Eklund’s Little Red Riding Hood production.
What is slightly hair-raising for the adults attending is leaving the little ones on mats set out on the floor with the grown-ups sitting behind them on chairs.
It works brilliantly with older children but as anybody who has tried to look after toddlers knows unless the performances are absolutely enthralling a certain amount of chasing around after bored children will ensue.
DAVID NICHOLSON recommends a dazzling production of Bernstein’s opera set in a world where chaos and violence are greeted by equanimity
DAVID NICHOLSON is thrilled – and shocked – by an opera that seethes and sizzles with passion and the depraved use of power
MARY CONWAY is blown away by a flawless production of Lynn Nottage’s exquisite tragedy
DAVID NICHOLSON applauds the return of Azuka Oforka’s stunning drama about slave plantation politics



