Top 5 Stage Performances to Stream This Weekend January 20-22
Even though in-person theatre and dance are back in full swing, in the name of accessibility, we’re continuing to round up performances to watch online from the comfort of home. Our carefully curated list spotlights the five best options to stream this weekend, Friday, January 20 to Sunday, January 22, for free or at low cost.
Young Vic: Mandela
Live-streaming Friday, January 20 at 2:30 p.m., and Saturday, January 21 at 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. ET for £15, approximately $18.50
London’s lauded Young Vic live-streams its current production of Mandela, a new bio-musical about the fearless anti-apartheid activist. Presented in partnership with Mandela’s family and infused with South African rhythms, the show chronicles his incredible life as he rallies his countrymen to protest against racial segregation, endures 27 years in prison away from his wife and children, and inspires a global movement. Award-winning director Schele Williams helms the inspiring production. Audio description and captions are available.
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The Fire This Time Festival
Live-streaming Friday, January 20 and Saturday, January 21 at 7 p.m. ET for a suggested price of $20, but tickets are pay-what-you-wish
Since The Fire This Time Festival’s founding in 2009, this annual event has helped launch the careers of a slew of superb Black playwrights, including two-time Tony nominee Dominique Morisseau. The fest’s name is a nod to James Baldwin’s seminal book The Fire Next Time, and its goal is to support the next generation of Black dramatists as they explore their ever-evolving culture. The signature event is its 10-Minute Annual Play Program featuring seven different shorts performed in person at the Kraine Theater that will also be live-streamed to at-home audiences. Toxic Black masculinity, the dangers of slacktivism and racism in technology are just a few of the subjects examined.
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Jean Louisa Kelly in Concert
Live-streaming Saturday, January 21 at 9:30 p.m. ET for $20
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Round House Theatre: The Tempest
You’ve probably seen The Tempest countless times, but not an interpretation like this. Adapted by award-winning playwright Aaron Posner (Life Sucks., Stupid F***ing Bird) and internationally renowned illusionist Teller, this reinvention of Shakespeare’s tale of revenge and love incorporates classic songs by Tom Waits, eye-popping dance moves from Pilobolus and incredible magic tricks. O brave new world, that has such productions in it!
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Top image: Mandela, a new musical at London’s Young Vic which is being live-streamed to at-home audiences this weekend. Photo by Helen Murray.