Theatre Thursdays: Angels in America (October 11th, 2018)

Listen, it's spooky month, but I'm almost ENTIRELY sure that this whole year has been spooky with this political climate. So this Theatre Thursday, we should talk about something a little more light-hearted, homosexuality! This week's play (or more like epic) of interest is Angels in America by Tony Kushner!

Tony Kushner's Angels in America by Ken Nielsen

Call Number: E-Book

ISBN: 9781441163684

Publication Date: 2013-08-05

Angels in America paved a new way for American theatre in its combination of heightened theatricality and politics. Tony Kushner has emerged as one of the American theatre's leading playwrights and productions worldwide have meant that the play has been recognized as the most important American play in decades. With the scope of the characters' sexual, class and religious affiliations in the play, Angels in America offers a unique possibility to discuss the construction of American identity in the late 1980s and 1990s. This guide provides a comprehensive critical introduction to the play, giving students an overview of the background and context; detailed analysis of the play including its structure, style and characters; analysis of key production issues and choices; an overview of the performance history from the first performances of Millennium Approaches and Perestroika to recent productions and the 2003 HBO adaptation; and an annotated guide to further reading highlighting key critical approaches.

Angels in America is about, well, homosexuality. Or more so, homosexuality in the 80s. During the AIDS epidemic. That's right, there's never a dull or non-political moment in theatre. Everything is a lesson and you should always be learning. But the play is separated into two parts: Millennium Approaches and Perestroika. Each part has five acts, and they aren't very traditional when it comes to theatre speak. I'm talking F-bombs and not-so-subtle stage directions all around. I don't recommend taking your children to see this show, and maybe don't let them read it until they're old enough.

Angels in America is considered one of the most prominent story being told about AIDS, because it doesn't just deal with the man who has it, it deals with the people around him, the affect on his health, the drama that surrounds his situation and more. While this play was premiered in 1991, it's still being performed today by many theatres around the United States because of its message and prominence. The use of symbolism in it's absurdity pushes it to the newest level you can imagine. Just last year, Millennium Approaches was shown at the Actors Theatre of Louisville. Maybe one day, they'll do part two of the monumental play. And while it may be long, it's worth the read. 

If you want to read Angels In America- or any of Tony Kushner's works -you can find it in the library circulating on the third floor. Tune in next Thursday night for another fun theatre read!