The best theatre to stream this month: Blues for An Alabama Sky, Macbeth and more
Blues for An Alabama Sky
Lynette Linton’s consummate National Theatre production of Pearl Cleage’s 1930 Harlem drama brought her the best director prize, and saw Giles Terera named best actor, at this year’s Critics’ Circle theatre awards. It’s now streaming on NT at Home – offering a closeup view of some exquisite designs by Frankie Bradshaw.
Macbeth
Can’t wait to see David Tennant as the Scottish king at London’s Donmar Warehouse this winter? Then listen to him take on the role for the first time – with Daniela Nardini as Lady Macbeth – in BBC Radio 4’s two-part adaptation from 2022, available on iPlayer.
Blue Now
This year’s Brighton festival included a new take on Derek Jarman’s 1993 film Blue, performed by Russell Tovey, Joelle Taylor, Jay Bernard and Travis Alabanza, directed by Neil Bartlett and composed by Simon Fisher Turner. All six contribute essays inspired by a Jarman quote for WePresent’s online audio series.
Frederick Ashton: Links in the Chain
How do you keep the flame of great choreography alive? There are fascinating insights in this 45-minute tribute to Frederick Ashton from 2021, illuminating the roles of répétiteur and ballet master. Plus, of course, some superb dance sequences from the archive and today. On YouTube.
Ghosts
Writer-director Mark O’Rowe’s acclaimed new version of the Ibsen classic premiered at Dublin’s Abbey theatre earlier this year. Presented with Landmark Productions, it is now available to watch on demand. Tickets must be bought by 3 June but you can watch within 14 days of purchase.
Our Last First
Based in a converted church on the Isle of Dogs in east London, the Space is a fringe theatre with a lively online offering including dance, new writing nights and comedy. Lucinda Coyle’s play Our Last First, which casts the actors in new roles each night and promises “infinite love stories”, is livestreamed from 8-14 June.
The Circle
This revival of Somerset Maugham’s 1921 comedy of manners is a “strongly acted and nicely judged” debut production for Tom Littler, the new artistic director at Richmond’s Orange Tree theatre. Jane Asher heads the cast. Available to stream 20-23 June.
Motion Picture: New Collaborations in Dance and Film
A new series of short films on the “digital stage” of Sadler’s Wells opens with new works choreographed by Botis Seva and Alesandra Seutin. Seva explores a story of oppression, while Seutin considers lost dreams in a Senegalese coastal town. Available from 8 June.
Giving Voice
Here’s a fresh perspective on the Pulitzer winner August Wilson. This documentary on Netflix charts a competition for students who each perform a monologue from Wilson’s Pittsburgh cycle of 10 plays. Touchingly, insights from those who knew him sit alongside those from actors who are just discovering his work.
Greek Myths Unplugged
London’s Unicorn theatre presents a trio of free short plays to introduce children to the weird and wonderful world of Greek mythology. EV Crowe adapts the tale of Narcissus, Vanessa Kisuule brings us King Midas, and Alexandra Wood explores Theseus and the Minotaur. For ages 7-12.
