Category Archives: Reviews

Self Portrait In Black And White by Thomas Chatterton Williams: notes and comments

Posted on October 15, 2019 by scharles

Thomas Chatterton Williams’ new memoir Self-Portrait In Black And White examines the complexity, the pain, and the contradictory dynamics of “race” thoughtfully and articulately. He presents several broad themes: race is a question of class, the African experience in America … Continue reading →

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The Two Headed Dragon by Sean Hoag: notes and comments

Posted on August 1, 2019 by scharles

I first head about “gay related immune deficiency” around 1980; I’m not sure of the exact year.  If I recall correctly there was some speculation  that “GRID” was somehow related to Legionnaires disease. The idea that it could be some sort of plague was hinted at.  It didn’t seem to be something I needed to worry about, but I didn’t dismiss it.  Continue reading →

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B Street Theater’s production of “Who’s Afraid of Virgina Woolf?”: notes and comments

Posted on September 20, 2017 by scharles

B Street Theater’s production of Edward Albee’s  “Who’s Afraid Of Virgina  Woolf?” is an outstanding piece of work.  Three hours of very intense theater — and well worth the investment. Everything about the work was well-orchestrated — the set, the … Continue reading →

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Sara Porter: Story Telling Through Dramatic Movement

Posted on May 23, 2016 by scharles

Sara Porter’s “Sara Does A Solo”  (San Francisco International Arts Festival May 20th and 22nd) might have been titled “Sara Tells A Story.” The essence of her performance is story telling through dramatic movement.  She incorporates dynamic rhythm, punctuated with … Continue reading →

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Nick Gandiello’s “The Wedge Horse”: notes and comments

Posted on January 26, 2016 by scharles

I’m going to recommend you see a play that I haven’t seen — in fact I’m going to strongly recommend you see it. And I’m not going to tell you what it’s about.  I know what it’s about because I’ve … Continue reading →

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Making Light Comedy Fest: notes and comments

Posted on September 27, 2015 by scharles

Comedy seems to me to be an amazing cultural phenomena.   In what other segment of the natural world do we see “comedy” other then in human beings?  Not just that, how far along in cultural development does a culture have … Continue reading →

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Nicholas Thurkettle’s “Stages of Sleep”: notes and comments

Posted on July 20, 2015 by scharles

Nicholas Thurkettle’s writing is finely tuned. Immediate, lyrical, and lean.  His work has elements of various American short-story masters — Damon Runyon comes to mind.  So does O. Henry. And particularly Ray Bradbury. In “Stages Of Sleep” Thurkettle offers up 15 … Continue reading →

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Elisabeth Nunziato’s production of Maurice Robie’s “Stolen Moments”: notes and comments

Posted on March 29, 2015 by scharles

Elisabeth Nunziato’s production of Maurice Robie’s  “Stolen Moments” has something every movie wants to achieve, but often doesn’t: authenticity and a natural in-the-moment feel. There is something about this film I can’t quite express in words, except to say it has … Continue reading →

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Virago Theater Company’s Production of Catherine Trieschmann’s Crooked: notes and comments

Posted on March 3, 2015 by scharles

Virago Theater Company’s production of Catherine Trieschmann’s “Crooked”  at The Flight Deck in Oakland was outstanding.   The acting was spot on, vigorous, and relentless — made more so because one of the actors — Isadora Cass (as “Maribel”) is thirteen … Continue reading →

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Virago Theater’s production of William Bivins’ “Ransom, Texas” at the Tides Theater: notes and comments

Posted on October 19, 2014 by scharles

William Bivins’ “Ransom, Texas” reminds me of Oedipus Rex turned inside out– a Greek tragedy with a distinctly Western accent.  There are no women in the play, except as references, and it shows: not a hint of femininity anywhere.  The … Continue reading →

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