Time for me to get to some theatre entries and take a short break from the lovely felines. : ) I live in Maryland, in the vicinity of Washington, D.C., which provides me with wonderful theatre opportunities. I currently usher at two theatres – Olney Theatre in Olney, Maryland and Arena Stage in DC.
Last weekend I saw The Royale at Olney and the week before that was Right to Be Forgotten at Arena. The Royale was an excellent production loosely based on the boxer Jack Johnson (he was the basis for that wonderful play, The Great White Hope which got both James Earl Jones and Jane Alexander started as actors – and had its start at Arena Stage several decades ago). The difference this time, is that the story was fictionalized and primarily focused on Joe “The Sport” Jackson’s overwhelming desire to fight the retired white champion and the growing realization that if he won, there would be trouble for African Americans all over the country (which there was). The performances were excellent, and I especially loved the fight scenes which were choreographed without a punch landing on anyone, but you knew who was getting hit and how badly. If you missed this wonderful performance at Olney (it closed last week), mark your calendars for Jan. 30 – Feb. 23. It will be playing at 1st Stage in Tysons Corner, VA.
Right to Be Forgotten, at the intimate Kogod Cradle theatre space at Arena Stage, is a world premiere. The subject matter is quite relevant for our times. How do you get to be forgotten on the web when something was posted about you years ago and has taken on a life of its own? Because of our First Amendment, Freedom of Speech, the US has not passed any right to be forgotten law as currently exist in Europe. Initially, I felt that the answer was pretty black and white. But like all good plays, it raises various viewpoints and shows that there is no definitive answer, it is all gray. If you are in the DC area, you have until November 10 to see it. I would suggest not sitting any closer than the 5th row, otherwise you’ll find yourself having to look up for some scenes.
Amy L Jaslow 