David Benedict on theatre
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Nobody tells Cheek by Jowl what plays they should do. There are, however, a number of theatre companies whose audiences feel they have a right to determine the agenda. From the late Eighties onwards, gay theatre companies were criticised whenever they chose to do work that wasn't focused entirely around Aids.
Disabled companies too are expected to have a particular agenda. Yet their work is increasingly diverse. Graeae is currently preparing Ubu Roi for an autumn tour. As administrative director, Steve Mannix, points out: 'After nearly 15 years, it's our first classic. The political climate has changed. Disability is now on the agenda. We are representatives of the disability culture and we are giving our interpretation of the world.'
Candoco's recent dance season at the Queen Elizabeth Hall drew critical superlatives that by-passed the often patronising response of people who think it simply marvellous that these people can be in theatre at all. Meantime, New Breed appears at the Turtle Key Arts Centre until Saturday with Grimm, starring Mike Parker (above), part of the Barclays New Stages Festival. If you want polemic or pleading, stay away. The 'gorgeously original' New Breed is much more interested in theatrical and formal experimentation, fairy-tales, physicality, and wit.
(Photograph omitted)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments