How theater weathers wars, outlasts empires and survives pandemics | Cara Greene Epstein

Angels in America is a dramatic work that delves into the lives of several characters during the AIDS crisis of the 1980s. The play is divided into two parts: 'Millennium Approaches' and 'Perestroika'. It follows characters such as Prior Walter, a man living with AIDS; Louis Ironson, his partner who abandons him; Joe Pitt, a closeted Mormon and conservative; and Roy Cohn, a fictionalized version of the real-life conservative lawyer. The play explores themes of identity, politics, religion, and the human condition, blending realism and fantasy. It is known for its powerful and poignant portrayal of the era and its impact on various communities.

This book by Dan Jones provides a thorough and engaging biography of Henry V, delving into his early life, his apprenticeship in warfare and politics, and his subsequent reign. Jones challenges the traditional dichotomy between the young 'Hal' and the mature King Henry, portraying them as a single, consistent individual. The book details Henry's military campaigns, including the Battle of Agincourt, his diplomatic achievements, and the complexities of his legacy. Written in the present tense, the narrative offers an immediate and intimate look at the life of this historical titan, highlighting both his brilliant leadership and the mistakes he made.

Marisol is a play by José Rivera that follows Marisol Perez, a young Puerto Rican woman living in the Bronx, as she faces a world descending into chaos. Her guardian angel leaves her to join a revolution against a senile God, plunging Marisol into a post-apocalyptic landscape filled with violence and despair. The play urges society to rediscover compassion in the face of such devastation.