Shakespeare's Sonnets, created by Robert Wilson and Rufus Wainwright, runs at BAM from October 7—12. Context is everything, so get even closer to the show with this curated selection of original blog pieces, articles, interviews, and videos related to the production. Once you've seen it, help us keep the conversation going by telling us what you thought below.
Program Notes
Shakespeare's Sonnets (PDF)
Watch & Listen
Audio
Did Shakespeare Want To Suppress His Sonnets? (NPR)
The Bards most personal works might have been bootlegged.
Video
“Sonnet 20” from Shakespeare's Sonnets (YouTube)
“A woman's face with Nature's own hand painted, hast thou, the master-mistress of my passion.”
Video
Deutsche Welle: Shakespeare’s Sonnets (YouTube)
“Fairies, fools, and the Queen of England” all have a place in Wilson and Wainwright’s production.
Read
Article
Queering the Scandal in Shakespeare's Sonnets (BAM Blog)
Why are Shakespeare's sonnets scandalous? The lack of "anodyne Man-Loves-Woman" narratives, for one.
Article
Shakespeare Light & Dark (BAM Blog)
“Shakespeare’s Sonnets is not a sentimental production but a tender one,” writes Bonnie Maranca, “depicting a world to be viewed as 'darkly bright.'”
Website
The sonnets of Shakespeare's Sonnets (BAM.org)
The25 sonnets featured in Robert Wilson and Rufus Wainwright's production.
Article
Robert, Rufus, Shakespeare: Together At Last (ArtsJournal.com)
“The cast is a crossed-dressed riot,” writes David Jays. “You end up peering for bulges to work out what gender might lie beneath the facial hair and padding.”
Article
60 Years Old, Brecht's Theater Ensemble Still Packs A Punch (DW.de)
20% of the venerable company’s performances are premieres.
Now your turn...
So how did you enjoy the show? Likes? Dislikes? Surprises? Tell us what's on your mind in the comments below.