(Community Matters) Tony Kushner’s, The Intelligent Homosexual’s Guide to Capitalism and Socialism with a Key to the Scriptures.
NYTimes photo
Second time to see the show – the first time was last month with my NY husband, Andy; last night with Steven. Not many nearly-four-hour productions merit a second visit. This is Tony Kushner; even Afghanistan merits a second – for the poetry of its monologue. Earlier in the year, Steven and I loved the Signature Theatre’s revival of his Angels in America.
Accustomed to Steven’s onions, with which even during a ninth viewing I discover new nuggets, the second viewing of TIHGTCASWAKTTS isn’t the same, and I did grow closer to the characters. Mr. Kushner is a master character creator, if not the living master. And, dialogue . . . trying to think which other contemporary playwrights rise to Kushner’s level. I’m sure some do, I just can’t name another this morning while still hearing it in my mind. Of course, director Michael Grief deserves kudos for his dialogue choreography and staging. The actors are superb.
This NYTimes review better describes the plot and threads. I disagree with Brantley’s dismissiveness about the moral relevance of the play or its place among contemporary works. Comparing a play with the themes of faith, worker/capitalist strife and fidelity to one about our generation’s plague is a bit like comparing Guernica to the Chicago Picasso.
Obviously the struggles between workers and owners loom large. I’d like to better understand their intimacy in Mr. Kushner’s life. I met him once in Austin, even chatted a bit. Looking for mutual friends in New York – a long dinner seems appropriate.
Speaking of dance cards . . . disappointed not to have seen Larry Kramer’s The Normal Heart (nominated for 5 Tony’s) this visit but will later this month. Having lunch today with my good friend and the play’s co-producer & patron, Paul Boskind.
Community Matters 