The University of Adelaide Theatre Guild (UATG) is bringing a powerhouse of American drama to Adelaide this May with a production of Tony Kushner's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes.
This ambitious two-part play, split into Millennium Approaches and Perestroika, is a complex and unflinching examination of sexuality, religion, and the AIDS crisis in 1980s America.
Written by the celebrated playwright Tony Kushner (known for works like Lincoln and Fences), Angels in America has garnered international acclaim since its debut in 1991. It secured both the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award for Best Play, and a 2018 West End revival secured the Olivier Award for Best Revival. The most recent Broadway production garnered a slew of nominations, winning three Tony Awards including Best Revival of a Play.
The play centres on Prior Walter, a gay man grappling with HIV in New York City. As his boyfriend leaves him and his health deteriorates, he encounters a mysterious angel who challenges him with a seemingly impossible task. Meanwhile, a web of interconnected characters navigate their own struggles with love, faith, and mortality against the backdrop of a nation grappling with a devastating illness and conservative political tides.
Director Hayley Horton promises a production that captures the play's epic scope while retaining its intimate moments. Angels in America boasts a talented local cast featuring Kate Anolak, Lee Cook, Rachel Dalton, Brant Eustice, Matthew Houston, Casmira Lorien, Eric McDowell, and Lindsay Prodea.
Angels in America is not just a theatrical performance. It's a significant exploration of LGBTQIA+ identity during a tumultuous period in American history. The play confronts themes of illness, societal prejudice, and the search for meaning in a world seemingly on the brink.
With its powerful script, diverse characters, and talented local cast, the UATG's production of Angels in America promises to be a must-see event for Adelaide audiences. Presented in two halves (each roughly 3 hours) over separate performances, the play is a commitment, but one that promises a rich and rewarding theatrical experience.
Important to Note
The play contains strong language, sexual references, adult themes, and nudity. It is recommended for mature audiences (16+).
Performance Details:
Dates: May 2nd - May 25th, 2024 (presented in two parts)
Location: Little Theatre, The Cloisters, University of Adelaide (Gate 10, Victoria Drive)
Tickets: www.trybooking.com/CNUGM
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