Kirsty Housley Archives - North West End UK

1Aug

By Michelle KnightNo Comments

London

Tao of Glass – Sohoplace Theatre

Philip Glass born in 1937 is “celebrated as one of the most influential and prolific American composers of the 20th and 21st centuries, and he was a pioneer of musical minimalism”. His repetitive musical style is very different. Glass went on to write dozens of operas; such as Satyagraha and Akhnaten, symphonies, concertos, and chamber pieces. Tao of Glass—is the inspiring collaborative work of composer Philip Glass and writer/director Phelim McDermott This production delves deeply into the theatrical artistry of imaginative storytelling and hypnotic concert of musical theatre. With a touch of comedy and paper puppetry, beautifully performed with style and grace. Photo: Johan Persson It touches on an emotional journey through life, reflection and wonder portrayed through the eyes an...

Cutting The Tightrope – Church Hill Theatre

This is a compelling, provocative and passionate piece of theatre about artistic freedom, censorship and political activism. You may love it, you may hate it, but you certainly won’t be bored. Originally produced last year at London’s Arcola Theatre, this collection of short plays was written in response to a statement from Arts Council, England, in 2024, warning that artists making political statements either in their work or even on social media could be in breach of their funding agreements. Later it was revealed that the statement followed discussions with the British Government about artists speaking out about the Israel-Gaza war. We know the names of the twelve playwrights but we don’t know who wrote each play. Although all the plays are making serious points, some of them are ...

Extinct – Theatre Royal Stratford East

As I walked through the exit doors of Theatre Royal Stratford East, two immediate thoughts struck me. First, a growing feeling of being overwhelmed (in a good way) by something I thought I knew but hadn’t fully grasped until just then. Second, a feeling of (self-conscious) irony that washed over me as I looked around for a recyclable bin to dispose of my complimentary-press-night beverage can. Unable to find one, I settled for a general use bin instead (I know, I know) and made my way home. Through this brief and exceedingly casual act that many of us probably undertake everyday without much thought, I was confronted by the central argument the show represents – human indifference in the face of a global extinction crisis. Extinct is a deeply gripping, hauntingly vivid call for action a...