The Tony-winning creator of Broadway's 'big, black and queer' Best Musical
Jun 21, 2022
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Michael R. Jackson, creator of 'A Strange Loop,' shares his journey to writing the award-winning musical. Kit Harrington's role in a daring production of Henry V is also discussed. The podcast delves into the challenges of creating unique Broadway shows, the impact of Tony Awards on voting sentiment, and the evolution of 'A Strange Loop' over 15 years.
A Strange Loop is a Tony-winning metafictional musical based on the writer's personal experiences.
The play 'Henry V' reinterprets themes of nationalism, addiction, and violence in a modern context.
Deep dives
Interpretation of Henry V in the Modern Context
The play 'Henry V' is reinterpreted in a modern context to explore themes of British nationalism, addiction, and the thrill of violence. The character of Henry is portrayed as an addict transitioning from substances to power, seeking a dangerous thrill in war, mirroring real-world political tensions and conflicts like the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Puppetry in 'Life of Pi'
In 'Life of Pi', puppetry is used to bring the character of the tiger, Richard Parker, to life. The manipulation of the puppet creates a sense of collective imagination, blurring the lines between reality and fiction. The production highlights the power of belief and storytelling in portraying the human-animal relationship in the face of survival.
Challenges in Staging Complex Themes
Both 'Henry V' and 'Life of Pi' tackle complex and impossible themes in their staging. 'Henry V' delves into the invasion of countries at war, while 'Life of Pi' navigates a boy's survival with a tiger on a boat, both aiming to present large-scale narratives that prompt reflection and engagement from audiences. The productions aim to provide a meaningful and immersive experience amidst a content-saturated digital world.
Exploring War and Survival
The reinterpretation of 'Henry V' intertwines themes of nationalism, addiction, and the allure of violence, presenting a stark and satanic portrayal of war. On the other hand, 'Life of Pi' emphasizes the triumph of storytelling as a means of survival and coping with traumatic experiences, promoting the power of fiction in enabling individuals to process and navigate challenging realities.
A Strange Loop has won Best Musical and Best Book of a Musical at the 75th Tony Awards. This funny and challenging metafictional musical is inspired by the experiences of its writer, Michael R. Jackson, who joins us from New York.
Also, we're joined by the chief theatre critics at the New York Times and the Guardian for the latest from the US and UK and we meet director Max Webster, the man behind a daring new Henry V starring Kit Harrington (Game of Thrones) and soon in cinemas.
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