March 15, 2012

A BRIGHT ROOM CALLED DAY - BRILLIANT!


Xandu Bruggers and David Vega



A BRIGHT ROOM CALLED DAY is sometimes poignant, sometimes sad and often very funny.

This powerful portrayal of political catastrophe is simply incredible. The time and place is in the 30’s up until modern day. We see the play through the eyes of a group of artists, actors, and communists living in Berlin prior to World War II.

The main character, Agnes, lives her life by avoiding conflict. Of course, she hopes that things will get better. You don’t have to be a huge fan of Tony Kushner’s plays. But most people are. I’m one of them. The play has bizarre shifts that bring us into the depths of hell from liberalism to genocidal fascism. Needless to say – I was fascinated.

This is a play that is masterfully explosive. The Political fiction can be very scary in this amazing gorgeous scenario. Kushner has a knack for words, as his play jumps around from poetry to prose. Yes, it’s a long play – but there is an intermission to give you a break. The story is riveting, as it brings out all the human foibles that you can carry in a German bag of tricks in 1932. The exhilarating actors are moody, athletic. Complex and talented in this inspired work.

Watching this marvelous play might wake up our own Weimar Republic. In fact it is suggested in Kushner’s play that Ronald Reagan was becoming too much like Hitler.
There have been many versions of this fascinating play – but from what I have seen before – this production at The Gough Street Theatre is breathtaking drama. Each scene is episodic and enriching. Not to mention the sexy scene where the two male leads take off their shirts to show off their muscular bodies. It’s a sure bet – that it will be as much of a thrill for you, as it was for me.

Yeah – this is one fast ride! Strange, but 2012 is beginning to seem like the Weimer Republic in 1933. The Cinematic Flashes of Germany in 1933 may not make you comfortable – but it will fascinate.

THE STELLAR CAST: Xanadu Bruggers, Maggie Ballard, Megan Briggs, Jessica Jade Rudholm*, Chris Morrell, David Vega, Shelley Lynn Johnson, Nick Trengove, Vahista Vafadari and Steve Budd. “I say: “Give us more! We want to see you again, and again.”

BRIAN KATZ THE DIRECTOR: “EASILY, ONE OF THE BEST DIRECTORS THIS YEAR.”

AT THE CUSTOM MADE THEATRE @ THE GOUGH STREET THEATRE

Rating: Four Glasses of Champagne!!!! (highest rating) – trademarked-

(((Lee Hartgrave has contributed many articles to the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday Datebook and he produced a long-running Arts Segment on PBS KQED)))  

*Enhanced coverage on beyondchron 

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