GORDON PARSONS is bowled over by a skilfully stripped down and powerfully relevant production of Hamlet
Un-American activities
MARY CONWAY feels the contemporary resonance of a new play set amid the manic and self-destructive patriotism of the McCarthy era
In which we accompany the Bard into Cymru to meet his musical accomplices, young and old
SUE TURNER is inspired by the example of a librarian’s struggle to confront the book-banning movement
ANDY HEDGECOCK relishes two exhibitions that blur the boundaries between art and community engagement
The Star's critic MARIA DUARTE reviews I Am Martin Parr, September Says, The Monkey, and The Gorge
RITA DI SANTO applauds a touching and witty opener that touches a hot topic in Germany: the future of the immigrant population
SIMON PARSONS is discomfited by an unflichingly negative portrait of motherhood and its trials
Here in America
Orange Tree Theatre, Richmond
“WHY should I see this play? And why now?” These are common questions asked by discerning audiences.
David Edgar’s new play at the Orange Tree answers with its title, for this is a play exemplifying contemporary America.
More from this author
The phrase “cruel to be kind” comes from Hamlet, but Shakespeare’s Prince didn’t go in for kidnap, explosive punches, and cigarette deprivation. Tam is different.
ANGUS REID deconstructs a popular contemporary novel aimed at a ‘queer’ young adult readership
A landmark work of gay ethnography, an avant-garde fusion of folk and modernity, and a chance comment in a great interview
ANGUS REID applauds the inventive stagecraft with which the Lyceum serve up Stevenson’s classic, but misses the deeper themes
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A nervous year, showing that the theatre, like the world, stands on a precipice and seems uncertain where to jump
MAYER WAKEFIELD speaks to playwright David Edgar about the political analysis that underlies his two new plays
MARY CONWAY relishes a magnificent performance and the rich street language in a flawed depiction of racist police violence in downtown New York