Month: November 2013

Black Lives Featured First Nations

Namatjira at the Southbank Centre, London

BY
Josey De Rossi

This play, which tells the story of Albert Namatjira, the first indigenous Australian painter to win international acclaim, premiered in Alice Springs in late 2009 and has since toured Australia. Now, this fascinating story comes to London. At the Southbank Centre

Children's Theatre

The Gruffalo at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue

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Josey De Rossi

Julia Donaldson's story about a little mouse on an epic journey returns to the West End stage, with lively performances all around. Eight-year-old Henry helps our reviewer dish out the stars for this recommended Christmas treat for young families.

Black Lives First Nations

Masi Maidens at the Bargehouse

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Josey De Rossi

Theatre historian Josey De Rossi, who has studied the effects of European cultural imperialism on indigenous art forms, guides us through some of the themes raised by this unusual cross-arts project. At the Bargehouse.

Comedy and comics Commedia dell'arte

Francis, the Jester of God at Anglican parish of St Francis of Assisi, West Wickham

BY
Josey De Rossi

Mario Pirovano’s welcomes the audience to his one-man performance of Francis, the Holy Jester as a politician on the hustings. Launching the show with the promise of overturning centuries of misconceptions, he springs into the story of Francis, emphasizing that the real stories of the thirteenth century Italian saint are uniquely wonderful because they show how it is Francis the ‘holy fool’ who realises his life as friend of the poor, champion of the persecuted and heroic worker for peace and justice.

Theatre of Realism

Billy the Girl

BY
Josey De Rossi

Katie Hims' Billy the Girl presents superbly drawn characters, faced with the paradox of living ordinary lives through times of big change. Direction, design and sensitive portrayals of difficult characters combine in a moving story of about starting again.