May 22, 2020
Arena Stage
Free
View below or view later
Arena Stage adds filmmaker to its accomplishments with May 22, 2020, a filmed docudrama, directed by Arena Stage Artistic Director Molly Smith, which captures one day in the life of our region. Playwrights, including Audrey Cefaly and Psalmeyene 24, interviewed ten D.C.-Maryland-Virginia people ranging in age from 18 – 89, and from a variety of backgrounds including a climate change activist to a grandmother living alone. From these rich conversations, writers composed original monologues, performed by 10 actors including KenYatta Rogers, Holly Twyford and Dawn Ursula. A lasting look at lives radically changed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is how we were, 3 days before the murder of George Floyd.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
National Theatre Live of a Bridge Theatre production
Free
Closes July 2, 2020
“a summer fiesta of feuding fairies, mistaken identity and moonlit magic.” The Bridge Theatre’s magical and immersive (actors fly on silks) production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream earned unanimous 5 stars from London critics. Recommended by TCG
The Grinning Man
Bristol Old Vic
Free. Donation requested
June 26 – July 2, 2020
Watch here
or on YouTube
A strange new act has arrived at the fairground. Who is Grinpayne and how did he get his hideous smile? Helped by an old man, a lone wolf and a blind girl, his story must be told. Featuring an original score by Tim Phillips and Marc Teitler and puppetry from Gyre & Gimble – the original puppeteers of War Horse. Superb! Recommended by Eddie Rubin
An Audio play –
Anno Domino
by Alan Ayckbourn
Free
Ends July 2
Listen to Acts 1 and 2 here
Playwright Alan Ayckbourn, who told the BBC that streamed shows “just aren’t theatre” has instead modified an un-produced play for radio drama for the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough, UK. Performing all roles, from teenagers to 70’s somethings, are Ayckbourn and his wife Heather Stoney. Anno Domino looks at the break-up of a long-established marriage and the effect that has on family and friends. But it’s also a play about stasis and evolution, mistreatment and regret.
End your weekend with a Zoom festival –
Q-Fest 2.0
Sunday, June 28
View on Facebook.
Three companies collaborate to produce this second Q-Fest playwrights festival featuring the work of 13 DMV playwrights. Adventure Theatre MTC at 2pm, 4615 Theatre Company at 3:30pm and finally Convergence Theatre at 5pm. All followed by a discussion starting at 7pm.