Angels in America: The Complete Oral History

[Kad]

Posted: 6/29/16 at 11:01am

In honor of the play's 25th anniversary, Slate has put together a wonderful, insightful piece about the development of Angels in America, from its inception onward. Extremely worthwhile reading, put together by interviews with Tony Kushner, Oskar Eustis, and dozens of other people who have been involved with productions of the piece over the last two and a half decades.

Angels in America: The Complete Oral History

[HogansHero]

Posted: 6/29/16 at 11:14am

I read it yesterday. It is mind-blowingly great-for what it is, as much as the plays themselves. For those of us for whom Angels is a seminal work defining what theatre is and should be, it is absolutely essential reading. 

[Kad]

Posted: 6/29/16 at 11:17am

It really made me want to see a full book done, not unlike Kenneth Turan's wonderful oral history of Joe Papp & the Public (Free for All) that came out several years ago. Even at this length, it feels like skimming the surface of the story of the development of Angels.

Updated On: 6/29/16 at 11:17 AM

[Huss417]

Posted: 6/29/16 at 11:17am

Thanks for posting this Kad. 

[Theater_Nerd]

Posted: 6/29/16 at 11:46am

I thank you as well Kad for sharing this.

[oncemorewithfeeling2]

Posted: 6/29/16 at 11:49am

That was a lovely read. Thanks for sharing.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 6/29/16 at 2:08pm

Why has no one made an oral joke yet?

[HogansHero]

Posted: 6/29/16 at 2:54pm

CATSNYrevival said: "Why has no one made an oral joke yet?"

Because it would be banal?

[AHLiebross]

Posted: 6/29/16 at 7:14pm

I have only seen Part I of AIA, but I'm not sure I fully understand what was "real" and what was "imaginary." Maybe that was part of the point.

Also, despite the humorous moments, I remember the play as an extreme downer. The short nude scene (absolutely integral to the story, in my opinion) was something I will probably never get out of my mind. I believe it symbolizes the dehumanization of an AIDS patient in that the actor stands on stage naked as another character pokes his scrotum in full view of the audience. My hat goes off to the accomplished actors who can not only perform the scene without breaking character, but who have the courage to play Prior Walter in the first place.

Here is a link to the review that I wrote about AIA Part I, at the Desert Rose Playhouse, in Rancho Mirage, CA. https://www.broadwayworld.com/palm-springs/article/BWW-Review-Desert-Roses-Gritty-Production-of-ANGELS-IN-AMERICA-PART-ONE-is-Top-Notch-Although-Depressing-20160118

Audrey

[indytallguy]

Posted: 6/29/16 at 7:20pm

This has turned my thoughts ahead to the 2017 London production.

[AnnieBlack]

Posted: 6/29/16 at 8:33pm

So I'm assuming the RNT production is coming to NY for the 25th anniversary in 2018?

[rosscoe(au)]

Posted: 6/30/16 at 6:31am

Kad, thanks for posting it was a fascinating read. I was very lucky to see it on Broadway ( came from Australia ) and the sense of excitement in that theatre before Act one started was like nothing I have ever felt.

It was ground breaking, heart breaking, thrilling and last but not least life affirming.

Lets hope the Mark Tamper revisits it for its 25th anniversary 

[themysteriousgrowl]

Posted: 6/30/16 at 7:48am

HogansHero said: "CATSNYrevival said: "Why has no one made an oral joke yet?"

Because it would be banal?"

No, ORAL, not -- Oh, never mind.