Greek theatre began as religious rituals for Dionysus; a masked figure adopted a persona to deliver a dramatic monologue. As the art form developed, other actors were added to the performances, and even secular topics were introduced. Masks remained important.

Brilliant news creative arts magazine here including an insight into Duns Playfest, a festival of new drama in the Scottish Borders.

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGilU6PLY4/Eb6KYvj4xOaljE7RbHQLpA/view?

We went to watch "Thrill Me: The Leopald & Loeb Story" at Montecasino last night, and I really enjoyed it. It was a little different to what we're used to, and the cast seemed quite young (I don't think I've seen either of them before), but they acted really well... and we were there on opening night, so it's only going to get better! :D

It's based on the true story, as you may have guessed. Well, I hadn't heard of it before we booked the tickets last week, but I found the play so compelling that I'm going right to the Wikipedia page this morning to read everything I can about it.

If you're in or around Johannesburg between now and 13 April, I'd suggest you give it a try. You won't regret it... BABE! (That's an inside joke, but if you watch the play, you'll remember that I said it when the time comes, and it'll put you in hysterics, and everyone will stare at you and judge you for being so inappropriate. You're welcome)

Anyway, here's the link for more information, and to book tickets: https://www.montecasino.co.za/whatson/theatre/pieter-toerien/thrill-me/?utm_source=MastodonAfrica

How to make big silly theatre props out of cardboard! A 3-part summary of everything I have learned about cheap and environmentally sustainable prop-making, from participating in Club Wormhole - an alt comedy cabaret in Nottingham
https://improvlaurie.co.uk/blg-whprops1/
#craft #upcycling #recycling #arts #handmade #DIY #eco #comedy #theatre #props #costume #blog #handmadeweb #smallweb

Beijing theatre For #MarchIntoLandscapes #East (Nikon Coolpix in low light, so quality is what it is) #photography #interior #theatre #action #urban #Beijing #PhotographersUnited #EastCoastKin

A rainy night, a glowing marquee, and the magic of the theater, just timeless. This scene is based on a black and white photo from 1949. Can you hear the buzz of the crowd and sound of the falling rain?

For those interested, prints available on Etsy (US) and Pixels (most locations and more options)

Etsy - https://marktisdaleart.etsy.com/listing/1761776510/chicago-wall-art-chicago-theatre-print

Pixels - https://mark-tisdale.pixels.com/featured/rainy-night-entertainment-chicago-1949-mark-e-tisdale.html

Making a list of the plays I’ve watched so far using the reduced price National Theatre at Home subscription I bought before Christmas. They also now offer rentals of individual plays:

London Tide (Our Mutual Friend)
Prima Facie - Jodie Comer
Present Laughter - Andrew Scott
Nye - Michael Sheen

"The strong man is strongest when alone."
Tell, Act I, sc. iii

#OTD in 1804.

The first performance of Friedrich Schiller's play Wilhelm Tell takes place at Weimar under the direction of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Tell_(play)

William Tell at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2782

"Ce n'est pas une cause
Que j'attaque ou que je défends
Et ceci n'est pas autre chose
Que l'histoire d'un pauvre enfant."

#OTD in 1900.

Sarah Bernhardt stars in premiere of Edmond Rostand's l'Aiglon. The title of the play comes from a nickname for Napoleon II, the French word for "eaglet" (a young eagle).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%27Aiglon

L´Aiglon at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/66793

The #Democrats #theatre

#OTD in 1851.

The first performance of Rigoletto by Giuseppe Verdi takes place in Venice. The Italian libretto was written by Francesco Maria Piave based on the 1832 play Le roi s'amuse by Victor Hugo.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rigoletto

Le Roi s'amuse at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/29549

Ahead of a new documentary, Variety talks to Richard O'Brien about the fabtabulous Rocky Horror Show https://variety.com/2025/film/news/rocky-horror-picture-show-creator-documentary-political-message-trump-1236331169/

Also, how the Smeg can he be 82?!?!

A seasonal offering from the ‘goes wrong’ team: Christmas Carol Goes Wrong will tour the UK from 5 November with an extended visit to London’s Apollo Theatre from 6 December to 21 January #theatre

HAMILTON Cancels Kennedy Center Engagement Due to Trump Takeover

#politics #arts #theatre
https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/HAMILTON-Cancels-Kennedy-Center-Engagement-Due-to-Trump-Takeover-20250305

Usually, I do not tend to read memoirs. But do yourself a favour and #read Sir Patrick Stewart's #memoir "Making It So".

It is wonderful.

I talk about my upcoming production of The Prince, by trans author Abigail Thorn, which is about two trans women who get stuck in a Shakespeare play, and discover that one of the characters might have something in common with them, although she hasn't quite realised it yet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xs9ilhzaAmc
#trans #queer #LGBTQIA #theatre #arts #transgender #theater #UKTheatre #Nottingham

THE PRINCE: AUDITION NOTICE!
Lace Market Theatre, Nottingham, NG1 1QN

Follow this link to find everything you need to know about auditioning for The Prince (auditions are on 15th and 17th April this year). There are 3 parts written for trans women/transfeminine folks, and 5 parts for anyone who suits the role description (1 female, 4 male). Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks!
https://lacemarkettheatre.co.uk/LaceMarketTheatre.dll/WhatsOn?EventType=0&Event=6667559
#theatre #UKTheatre #auditions #acting #trans #queer #lgbt