Virtual theatre

One thing I miss about going out is that I can't see any plays, but here are some options for you, if you feel like watching a play (for free!) this evening:

National Theatre (of Great Britain) -- They are showing plays from their archives -- this week, it's a production of "Jane Eyre", which is adapted from the terrific novel about a young woman finding her way in the world.  Written by Charlotte Bronte in 1847, it is a classic romance that everyone loves!

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre (in London) -- Although the theatre itself is closed, they are showing their gender-bending Hamlet this week and other plays will follow.  This is on their Youtube channel.

Stratford Festival on Film (Canada) -- If you go to their website, they offer plays like King Lear and The Tempest with the text highlighted at the side, so you can follow along and if you aren't sure what the actors have said, you can click on it for help.  Go to their website and choose the "Learn" section and then "Performance Plus" for this offering.  (They also have pay for view productions if you are interested. )

The Shows Must Go On (Youtube) -- If you like musicals, or in particular Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals, you can access performances of his hugely popular oeuvre for free on Youtube.  "Jesus Christ Superstar" is on today and others will follow.  They screen for 48 hours (JCS started yesterday so move fast if you're interested) so it's like actually going to the theatre -- you have to be ready on the day!  (Note:  I watched "Jesus Christ Superstar" tonight and it was really terrific.  Most of you know I am not normally a big fan of musicals but I loved this and it was terrifically performed and creatively staged.  I think this is likely Andrew Lloyd Webber's best play.)

Arts Club Live from Home (Vancouver) -- The Arts Club has commissioned local artists to perform twice a week (Tuesday and Friday).  The artists are paid a fee for their performances, because, as you can imagine, they're out of work these days -- tough times for actors and theatre folk.  The Arts Club plans to do more digital performances as the days wear on.

Enjoy!