Anton Chekhov’s Doctor Astrov Unfurls the Future Onstage by Barry David Horwitz Berkeley Rep’s sparkling production of Chekhov’s “Uncle Vanya” highlights a perennial question: Do we want more exploitation of land and people, or shall we plan for a better, more humane future? Director Simon Godwin sets Chekhov’s 1899 masterpiece in a comfortable, shabby…
Dan Hoyle Amazes, Embodying Citizens Across America by Corey Finnegan & Barry David Horwitz Well, it’s time to enjoy a new gaggle of folks that Dan Hoyle has met, interviewed, and recreated from across the country. Hoyle uses his expressive face, his whole body, and his reportorial skills to bring America home to us….
A visit to the Forest of Arden brings a bracing breath of fresh air.
Scenic Designer Nina Ball has outdone herself with the creation of a glorious Forest of Arden for Shakespeare’s “As You Like It.” When refugees from the corrupt court flee to the forest named after Shakespeare’s mother, Mary Arden, they are off to build a new world.
Inspired by Dali, giant pink, yellow, and blue leaves decorate Ball’s stunning staircase set—backed by the living forest. Ball conjures a dream commune embedded in Nature. Her beautiful set evokes a fantasy land that liberates and welcomes the immigrants from the court, offering them asylum.
Octavio Solis Reveals Mother Lode of Mexico-US Family by Mary Lou Herlihy and Barry David Horwitz From a CraigsList ad reading: “All Joads come home. Riches beyond your wildest dreams,” surfaces Martín Jodes with his Spanish version of the name Joad. The young Mexican American drifter is facing the adventure of his life, finding…