If you haven’t caught up with the National Theatre Live series, you’re missing out. Despite the preponderance of the tried and true—or tired and true—there’s edgy new work on the stages of London’s West End, and it’s being broadcast in hi def to a world-wide audience via satellite, including three theatres in So Cal.
The latest is “Collaborators,” a seriocomedy by John Hodge (screenwriter of “Trainspotting”) set in Moscow, 1938. The play centers on an imaginary encounter between Joseph Stalin and playwright Mikhail Bulgakov; a “lethal game of cat and mouse” ensues when the latter is commissioned to write a play about the former to celebrate his birthday.
“Collaborators” stars Alex Jennings as Bulgakov and Simon Russell Beale as Stalin; it screens at La Mirada Theatre on Jan. 13 (call 562-944-9801 for tix); UCLA’s James Bridges Theatre on Jan. 15; and the Irvine Barclay Theatre on Jan. 17 (949-854-4646).
Speaking of that part of the world, Facets Multi-Media provides a rare opportunity to see European films that don’t get theatrically released here, especially films from Central and Eastern Europe. They’re now offering some of their bestsellers as DVD-Rs, manufactured on demand, for reduced prices—this month they’re offering Alexander Kluge’s “Yesterday Girl,” which launched the New German Cinema.
“Tales From The Gypsies,” A Facets 2-Pack,” includes a pair of Hungarian films on DVD. “Colossal Sensation” (2005) is an oddball art house hit, a tragicomedy about twin brothers (played by filmmaker Robert Koltai and Sando Gaspar) who perform as circus clowns—one of whom ends up in the gulag when a Soviet leader’s watch is demolished in a comedy routine.
“School Of Senses” (1995) is a sensual, cinematic poem with lush photography. What little plot there is seems influenced by French cinema—any resemblance to “Betty Blue” or “The Story of Adele H.” is wishful thinking—but the seductive performance of Dorka Gryllus as Lili, a young gypsy girl, will keep you tuned in.
More from Jordan:
Facets introduces first films of Alexander Kluge, Milos Forman to DVD http://exm.nr/i6uccj
“CATS” in Costa Mesa, Disney’s “Beast” & “Nightmare” in Blu 3D http://shar.es/WlYGT
Best of OC Theatre 2011 http://shar.es/W5mMk
Happy 100th birthday, Spike Jones http://shar.es/oSJrC
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