theater

When it Comes to Theater, L.A. Is Center Stage

Ed Rampell / Truthdig Mar 31, 2023 An overview of the thriving theater scene in Los Angeles. Known first and foremost for film and Hollywood, LA actually produces more live theater plays than Broadway. Dig deeper ( 22 Min. Read )

Top-Flight Cast Takes On American Classic ‘Long Day’s Journey Into Night’

Jordan Riefe / Truthdig Jun 15, 2018 The Beverly Hills production features Jeremy Irons and Lesley Manville under the direction of five-time Olivier Award winner Richard Eyre. Dig deeper ( 5 Min. Read )

Russian Punk Band Pussy Riot Creates an ‘Immersive Theatre Project’

Emma Niles / Truthdig Jul 26, 2017 The work is part of a campaign for prison reform, band member Nadya Tolokonnikova (pictured) tells Truthdig. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

Chris Hedges and Wallace Shawn on Politics, Playwriting and Power (Video)

BLANK May 31, 2017 In the latest episode of "On Contact," Hedges sits down with the actor, playwright and essayist to discuss Shawn's new book, "Night Thoughts." Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

‘The Designated Mourner’: A Play on Authoritarianism, Restaged for the Trump Era

Jordan Riefe / Truthdig May 12, 2017 Twenty years after its debut, playwright Wallace Shawn’s drama has taken on new meaning for American theatergoers. (Shawn is pictured at left.) Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

‘Building the Wall’: Staging America’s Worst Immigration Nightmare

Jordan Riefe / Truthdig Apr 5, 2017 Playwright Robert Schenkkan sounds the alarm about a scenario he says “absolutely” could come to pass in the United States. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

Chris Hedges and Theater Director JoAnne Akalaitis Lament the State’s Assault on the Arts (Video)

Chris Hedges / Truthdig Feb 28, 2017 Akalaitis tells the host of "On Contact" that lack of public support for the theater means we've lost "the soul of a society." Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

‘Lyrics From Lockdown’ Creator on Using Art as a Wake-Up Call

Jordan Riefe / Truthdig Feb 13, 2017 Playwright Bryonn Bain, who turned his own harrowing experiences into a one-man dramatic production, joins director Gina Belafonte for a Truthdig interview. Dig deeper ( 6 Min. Read )

Much Ado About Very Little

Alexis Camins / Truthdig Dec 30, 2016 What does it take to put on a Shakespeare play in a Midwestern regional theater? A new book seeks to answer this question, but far more interesting questions are left unasked. Dig deeper ( 6 Min. Read )

‘By Women Possessed: A Life of Eugene O’Neill’

By Nelson Pressley Dec 16, 2016 His creative career as one of America's greatest playwrights is unmatched. It is as difficult to put down this exhaustively reported re-examination of O'Neill's dark family backstory as it is to ignore fresh productions of his great plays. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

‘Notes of a Native Song’: Writer James Baldwin’s Work Resonates in the Time of Trump

Jordan Riefe / Truthdig Dec 16, 2016 Musical artist Stew’s ode to the literary icon is particularly welcome now, when Baldwin's words have taken on fresh significance. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

‘The Source’ Delves Deeply Into the Tale of Chelsea Manning

Jordan Riefe / Truthdig Oct 21, 2016 Now playing in Los Angeles, the oratorio by Ted Hearne patches the whistleblower’s story together using songs, video, Twitter feeds, cable news reports, testimony and transcripts. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )