Ivo van Hove's Angels in America

[inception]

Posted: 12/2/24 at 10:00pm

The International Theatre Amsterdam is reviving Ivo van Hove's production of Angels in America next April under director Daniël 't Hoen.  I have a trip planned at the time, and just found out about it this evening.  I'm there one of the nights that has English subtitles, so booked a ticket on a whim.  I couldn't understand from the website if it is part 1 or 2  as it says running time TBA.  But then I googled & read about when it played NY in 2014, & learned that that was both parts in one evening running about 5 hours.  So I guess I am in for a marathon!

The search didn't help me find the likely old thread about the NY area performances at BAM in 2014.

Did anyone here attend, and have any memories they might like to share?

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 12/2/24 at 10:04pm

This is my favorite play. I honestly don’t remember much about this production other than it being significantly cut and the Angel being male.

 

It’s always worth seeing, in any language. Enjoy it.

[imeldasturn]

Posted: 12/2/24 at 11:57pm

If I'm not wrong he controversially cut the epilogue, among other things

[Ensemble1732583512]

Posted: 12/3/24 at 1:12am

That’s awesome you’ll get to see Angels in America! The 2014 BAM performance was a 5-hour marathon with both parts, so it sounds like you're in for a long but incredible night. With English subtitles, it should be easier to follow along. Enjoy the experience – it's bound to be unforgettable!

[JasonC3]

Posted: 12/3/24 at 1:18am

Here is Brantley's NYT review of the BAM production in 2014.

And a video of a moderated conversation with Kushner and Van Hove talking about the production.

EDITS:

Found the old thread. Not a lot of comments on the production, but they start once you hit comment #22.

And here's a Vanity Fair article: "Tony Kushner Gives Rave Review of Stripped-Down, David Bowie-ized Production of Angels in America"

 

 

Updated On: 12/3/24 at 01:18 AM

[EricMontreal22]

Posted: 12/3/24 at 3:43am

There is a lot of body fluid (and no I don't mean you-know-what.) 

As was mentioned he cut the final scene (he did get permission from Kushner.)  His reasoning was pure Ivo van Hove--he said it offered a sense of unearned and even flat out false hope.

(...)

[inception]

Posted: 12/3/24 at 11:10am

Wow thanks JasonC3 for all your research!

I did see both parts in English in one day in 2014 when Seattle's Intiman Theatre did it that year.  Just now had to look up when it was - hard to believe already over 10 years ago.

I was confused by the ITA website because it just lists 2 performances with English surtitles - so I thought maybe one night was part 1 & the other part 2.  After reading more about their past productions, I guess this version has quite a few cuts to bring both parts with a dinner break to about 5 hours.

[inception]

Posted: 12/3/24 at 11:17am

Here is what TotallyEffed wrote in the 2014 thread:

"It clips along at a rapid pace, part one was only two hours without an intermission. They have sucked all the air out of the piece and the staging is very minimalistic. I am extremely familiar with the text and even I found reading the subtitles a bit exhausting. The performances are solid but I found myself missing being able to soak up all that gorgeois text. Barely any pauses or "moments." I also missed the epic staging of the original production, especially in this massive space. They have proven the piece is strong enough to stand alone but you won't find any rabbi drag or wings in this slightly chilly production."

[verywellthensigh]

Posted: 12/3/24 at 11:18am

EricMontreal22 said: "There is a lot of body fluid (and no I don't mean you-know-what.)

As was mentioned he cut the final scene (he did get permission from Kushner.) His reasoning was pure Ivo van Hove--he said it offered a sense of unearned and even flat out false hope.

(...)"

Honestly, I was never crazy about the epilogue. 

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 12/3/24 at 11:21am

inception said: "Here is what TotallyEffed wrote in the 2014 thread:

"It clips along at a rapid pace, part one was only two hours without an intermission. They have sucked all the air out of the piece and the staging is very minimalistic. I am extremely familiar with the text and even I found reading the subtitles a bit exhausting. The performances are solid but I found myself missing being able to soak up all that gorgeois text. Barely any pauses or "moments." I also missed the epic staging of the original production, especially in this massive space. They have proven the piece is strong enough to stand alone but you won't find any rabbi drag or wings in this slightly chilly production.""


Omg mom stop embarrassing meeeee lol