While Shepard’s plays would absorb different rhythms and influences, their essence and voice were unmistakably his—our—own.
Theater
Posted inArts & Culture, Theater
Even Oscar Isaac can’t save the Public Theater’s “Hamlet”
In a bewildering new staging at The Public Theater, Oscar Isaac is giving a rich, riveting lead turn as the dubious Danish prince.
Posted inArts & Culture, Theater
Saint or not, Dorothy Day belongs on the stage of American theater.
If the Greeks had Antigone, Americans have Dorothy Day.
Posted inArts & Culture, Television
‘Will’ explores the genesis of genius, and Shakespeare’s Catholic roots
The story of Shakespeare is eternally appealing, because we want to know what confluence of circumstances, or divine blessing, could produce such a towering figure.
Posted inArts & Culture, Ideas
Disability without sentimentality: a stage actor’s journey
Well crafted stories about the “disabled experience” are still new, and too few-and-far between.
Posted inArts & Culture, Theater
In ‘Oslo’ peace is a process, not a destination
Like all the best historical narratives, “Oslo” shows the intense fragility and contingency of human affairs
Posted inArts & Culture, Theater
What I learned from a way-off Broadway production of ‘Julius Caesar’
I will be glad to get some sleep when our “Julius Caesar” closes this Saturday, and I can stop living the fevered life of Casca the conspirator.
Posted inArts & Culture, Theater
The view from Trump’s America and other timely Broadway tales
“Sweat” tells the story of steelworkers whose long friendship unravels as their livelihood is threatened by free trade and immigration.
Posted inIdeas, Politics & Society
James Comey deserves a Daytime Emmy
It’s not that Mr. Comey told a bunch of lies and covered them up with a prize-winning performance. It’s that facts can sound like lies when you tell them under pressure. Mr. Comey, who has had experience testifying before Congress, didn’t buckle to the pressure.
Posted inArts & Culture, Theater
A ‘Richard III’ for our unsettled times
It would be fascinating were the producers able to arrange a quick transfer to a venue somewhere near the White House.