What is the purpose of the Angel subplot in Angels in America?- Page 2

[Jane2]

Posted: 2/7/15 at 11:20pm

I saw two stage versions. The original broadway cast, and one at Signature. They were two of the most intense and unforgettable experiences I've had in the theater.

However, the HBO film was one of the best films I ever saw. I'm lumping all 6 episodes into one movie experience because that's how I saw it. I thought it was flawless. Where do you start? With Nichol's direction? With some of the best performances by some of the best actors in the business?. (Jeffrey Wright was a standout for me). That scene where Belize is describing Heaven and Hell to a dying Roy Cohn is one of my favorite scenes on film. The special effects, art direction, editing, everything!

[theatremom2]

Posted: 2/7/15 at 11:29pm

I saw it twice. Years ago with the National touring company in New Haven and at Signiture. I've also read it a couple of times..or six

[Wilmingtom]

Posted: 2/8/15 at 1:45am

I always thought of the "Angels" as all of the characters in the play, and in America, struggling to get through their/our various life situations with as much grace as possible. I think the actual angel who appears in the play may be a symbol signifying that we all, regardless of our flaws and/or virtues, will be reunited in redemption.

[GavestonPS]

Posted: 2/8/15 at 7:49pm

Well that's in the NT, but I get your point.

Thank you, Taz. I should have said "as far back as the OT" rather than seeming to imply angels are messengers ONLY in the OT. Or I could have used the two angels that bring word of God's covenant to Abraham as my example.

I saw a couple of workshops in LA while I was taking a graduate seminar from the original directer, Oskar Eustis. (And Kushner came to talk to the class twice.) Perhaps for that reason, Stephen Spinella will always be Prior Walter to me.

But I actually like Mike Nichols' film and thought, in some ways, it was the best version of the work to date.

In the play, Prior makes a big speech about how humans have to move, then proceeds to sit down and do nothing. In the film, he seemed much more active after his epiphany.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 2/9/15 at 12:21am

Yes, because telling the ex lover who abandoned him that he can't come back is doing nothing. Forming community with the Mormon mother of his ex-lover's Mormon ex boyfriend is doing nothing. Because finding hope and seeing a future for his besieged community, even through fading eyesight, and realizing that all the struggle means that his community will go on even if he doesn't is doing nothing.

What a goddam layabout that Prior Walter is in the play.

[Auggie27]

Posted: 2/9/15 at 6:07am

Not to put too fine a point on it, but it's not a subplot; it's the central conceit, as well as the construct for the entire shape of the play. The drama is literally built on and with the metaphor.

[GavestonPS]

Posted: 2/9/15 at 5:05pm

All the items you mention, Namo, happen about 4 hours after Prior resolves to stop moving. I suppose I should have acknowledged that, but I'm usually so puzzled as to Kushner's point about forgiveness (Hannah-yes, Joe-no, Roy-huh?), that I usually spend another 4 hours thinking about the play. Not that that's a bad thing.