Cultural appropriation doesn’t just take place across different nations
‘A smart story about composition & the appropriation of music’: FOLK – Hampstead Theatre
With its interest in identity, ownership, tradition and the ‘rules’ applied to written rather than oral forms, Nell Leyshon’s play, which aired on Radio 3 in 2021, now earns a fully-staged run.
‘Fierce & fresh’: LIVING NEWSPAPER – Royal Court Theatre (Online review)
Sneaking in in the nick of time, I catch the delights of the second edition of the Royal Court’s Living Newspaper.
‘The performances throughout are sharp & refined’: WHEN THE CROWS VISIT – Kiln Theatre ★★★★
Anupama Chandrasekhar’s chilling play examines what happens when a cycle of violence and those who stand by and watch it happen is passed down through the generations.
Terri trips: Ibsen via India in When the Crows Visit’s world premiere
I’ve been remiss in not getting back up to Kilburn, where I lived for many years, since the reopening of Kiln Theatre. But I was able to put that right with a trip to artistic director Indhu Rubasingham’s world premiere production of Anupama Chandresekhar’s When the Crows Visit.
‘Modern & moving’: ROMEO & JULIET – Barbican Theatre
It’s sometimes a little difficult to take seriously how old everyone is meant to be in Romeo & Juliet but Erica Whyman’s modern-day production for the RSC, playing in rep now at the Barbican, never lets you forget.
‘Lacks clarity & intent’: MACBETH – Barbican Theatre
Despite a cast including Christopher Eccleston and Niamh Cusack, this proves another disappointment of a Macbeth as the RSC starts is autumn residency at the Barbican.
‘Scattershot invention includes some effective touches’: MACBETH – Barbican Theatre
In contrast to Rufus Norris’ Macbeth at the National, with Rory Kinnear and Anne-Marie Duff, the RSC’s current production is focused and direct. This ensures that it is more of a success, but also proves its weakness. Polly Findlay’s production is certainly the more coherent and features strong leads.
THE SUBTERRANEAN SEASON – Vault Festival
PLAY – The Subterranean Season takes in plays 23-26 in their ever-growing programme of short plays, devised in just two weeks by a collaboration of writers, directors and actors up for the challenge of creating something sparklingly, spankingly, brand new and fresh.
What should you see at this year’s VAULT Festival?
Established now as one of the major arts festivals in London, VAULT Festival returns from 25 January to 5 March 2017 at its original home beneath Waterloo Station and, for the first time, at satellite venues Network Theatre and Morley College.