by Charles Kruger “Jazz” — a four letter word that is, surely, one of the most evocative of all the words in American English. It can send chills down the spine of any sensitive auditor. That short “a,” surrounded by two voiced fricatives, is capable of endless elongation and variation. Like the music it names, […]
by Charles Kruger Surely, there is nothing new under the sun. And surely it is the new that creative artists must seek, and hopefully achieve. Do you detect a contradiction? Of course you do. Creative artists are in the business of resolving this contradiction by combining the ancient, the tried, and the true in ever […]
by Charles Kruger “The Orphan of Zhao” is one of China’s oldest plays. A story of familial revenge, it is sometimes described as “the Chinese Hamlet.” There have been many versions over the centuries, both in Chinese and in translation. Théâtre de la Feuille is known for its expertise in physical theatre, and their production […]
by Charles Kruger Admirers of William Thackeray’s comic Victorian masterpiece, “Vanity Fair” can rejoice! Kate Hamill’s fabulous adaptation has captured all the humor, lightheartedness and satirical wit of the original and shaken off every bit of Victorian dust. The result is pure delight. This presentation of the adventures of the poor but exceedingly clever social […]
by Charles Kruger ISHAP SFIAF 2019 from samantha shay // source material on Vimeo. It is not always easy to find information on the avant garde theatre companies and artists who participate on the theatrical festival circuit of which the San Francisco International Arts Festival is a part. Almost by definition, festival artists are part […]
by Charles Kruger On the surface, Mfoniso Udofia’s two hander, “In Old Age,” is a straightforward, conventional romance about two lonely old folks who meet cute, and find they are capable of a last dance that they didn’t expect. A sort of “Love Among The Ruins” reimagined for Black actors in Worcester, Massachusetts. If that […]
by Charles Kruger In this production, the words of Anton Chekhov are spoken, but what we see is certainly not his famous “Three Sisters,” but a creative exploration of that play’s themes and characters, rearranged into something new and strange and entrancing. The original piece is notriously depressing, full of sad melody, disappointment, and loss. […]
