The past week’s international stage highlights, brought to you via the world’s foremost journalism. Gemini, the large language model from Google AI, and Perplexity, provided information, insights, and materials for this article (facilitated by Bob Shuman).
- A REFUGE FROM WAR: “KYIV DIARY” FINDS HOPE IN UKRAINE
Source: The Guardian, March 5, 2024, by Michael Billington
The Story: This powerful documentary play, based on the wartime diaries of Ukrainian playwright Alexander Dovzhenko, offers a moving reflection on resilience and hope in the face of war. Billington praises the play’s raw honesty and its ability to capture the human spirit amidst devastation.
Playing at: The National Theatre, London, until March 30
- FRANCE GOES WILD WITH “RHINOCEROS”
Source: Le Monde, March 4, 2024, by Fabienne Pascaud
The Story: Eugène Ionesco’s absurdist classic “Rhinoceros” takes on a new urgency in this electrifying Parisian production. Pascaud highlights the director’s innovative staging and the chilling relevance of the play’s exploration of conformity and societal breakdown.
Playing at: Théâtre de la Ville, Paris, until March 24
- GERMANY DEBATES MEMORY IN “THE GHOSTS OF BERLIN”
Source: Der Spiegel, March 7, 2024, by Andreas Kluge
The Story: This thought-provoking new play by Nina Raine grapples with the legacy of the Berlin Wall and the complexities of memory. Kluge commends the play’s nuanced exploration of historical trauma and its impact on individuals and communities.
Playing at: Schaubühne Berlin, Berlin, ongoing
- SOUTH AFRICA WRESTLES WITH HISTORY IN “DISTRICT SIX”
Source: The Mail & Guardian, March 6, 2024, by Mpho Armstrong
The Story: This revival of ‘s powerful drama revisits the forced displacement of residents in Cape Town’s District Six during apartheid. Armstrong praises the production’s potent reminder of the struggle for justice and the enduring legacy of racial segregation.
Playing at: Market Theatre, Johannesburg, until March 23
- SPAIN STAGES A BECKETT MASTERPIECE: “ENDGAME”
Source: El País, March 8, 2024, by Javier Vallejo
The Story: Samuel Beckett’s existential masterpiece “Endgame” receives a stark and powerful production in Madrid. Vallejo lauds the director’s interpretation and the performances that capture the play’s bleak humor and profound questions about humanity’s fate.
Playing at: Teatro María Guerrero, Madrid, until March 31
- A TOUCHING FAMILY DRAMA: “THE BROTHERS SIZE” IN NEW YORK
Source: The New York Times, March 9, 2024, by Ben Brantley
The Story: Tarell Alvin McCraney’s acclaimed play “The Brothers Size” explores themes of masculinity, family, and identity. Brantley praises the play’s lyrical language and the powerful performances that delve into the complexities of brotherly bonds.
Playing at: Public Theater, New York, until April 7
- CHINA UNCOVERS FAMILY SECRETS: “FATHERS AND SONS”
Source: South China Morning Post, March 6, 2024, by Elaine Wong
The Story: This new play by rising star Li Yu examines the hidden tensions and long-buried secrets within a Chinese family. Wong commends the play’s intricate storytelling and its exploration of generational divides and societal expectations.
Playing at: Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre, Shanghai, until March 20
- AUSTRALIA STAGES A DARK COMEDY: “BLINK”
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald, March 4, 2024, by Peter Craven
The Story: Australian playwright Tommy Cafe’s darkly comedic play “Blink” explores the ethics of technology and the potential pitfalls of artificial intelligence. Craven highlights the play’s sharp wit and its thought-provoking examination of our relationship with technology.
Playing at: Belvoir St Theatre, Sydney, until March 24
- YOUNG VOICES EMERGE IN LONDON’S “RADICAL ACTS”
Source: The Stage, March 8, 2024, by Holly Wadsworth
The Story: This exciting festival showcases a diverse range of new work by emerging playwrights. Wadsworth highlights the festival’s commitment to fresh voices and its exploration of contemporary social issues.
Playing at: Various venues across London, until March 17
10. ARGENTINA CELEBRATES FEMALE PLAYWRIGHTS
Source: Buenos Aires Times, March 7, 2024
The Story: Argentina’s theatre scene is buzzing with a festival dedicated entirely to plays written by women. This year’s edition features a diverse range of works, from comedies and dramas to experimental pieces. The festival is a vital platform for amplifying female voices and exploring gender issues on the Argentine stage.
Playing at: Various venues across Buenos Aires, until March 10
Remember, this is just a glimpse into the international theatre scene. Keep exploring and discovering new voices that will inspire and challenge you!
Photos: from top: Ionesco, Fugard, Salvadora Medina Onrubia
