Angels in America, Part Two: Perestroika

A Senior Thesis in Theater Studies for Catherine Alam-Nist

by Tony Kushner

perestroika poster

Angels in America: Perestroika is the second half of Tony Kushner’s epic pair of plays. Set in the midst of the AIDS epidemic, Perestroika follows a cast of characters whose experiences vary vastly as pertains to race, class, gender, sexuality, religion (or lack thereof) and politics; however, all are united in being somehow on the precipice of drastic change in their lives, wanted or not. Both a continuation of Kushner’s first play, and very much an independent play in its own right, Perestroika is distinctive for its groundbreaking depiction of human life, migration, transience and movement as not only sacred when referred to in a select few settings (i.e., church, synagogue, temple, etc.), but as divine in and of itself; it also radically extends who is permitted to be depicted as holy onstage, and what this can look like.

This production will aim to take this radical expansion of the depiction of sacredness onstage even deeper than prominent past stagings of the text have done, via exploring it from a distinctly Jewish perspective, examining the play’s themes of change, transience and transcendence through the lens of Jewish experiences. It also will explore experiences of divinity when experienced simultaneously with illness, which is a topic that feels all the more pertinent amid the COVID pandemic.

We strongly encourage queer, trans, gender minority, BIPOC, and Jewish people/people interested in the faith to audition. We also genuinely want first-time theatremakers on our production team and in our cast (like, we’re not just saying that); if you’ve never done theatre at Yale before, or at all, but are at all interested in the project, please feel encouraged to reach out to one of our producers (naomi.schwartzburt@yale.edu and aderonke.adejare@yale.edu) or director (catherine.alam-nist@yale.edu) with any and all questions — we will be delighted to hear from you!

Tickets available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/angels-in-america-part-two-perestroika-by-tony-kushner-tickets-592525438537

For all inquiries, please contact: 

Performance Dates & Times

April 2, 2023 - 7:00pm

April 3, 2023 - 7:00pm

April 4, 2023 - 7:00pm

Location

Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies Black Box

Venue Accessibility: 
Building is accessible via a ramp on the Church Street side. Venue and facilities are located on the main floor.

Patron Information

This performance is open to asymptomatic patrons with an up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination. Patrons should carry vaccination documentation and be prepared to show it if asked.

Yale-approved masks  are required for all audience members.

Tickets available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/angels-in-america-part-two-perestroika-by-tony-kushner-tickets-592525438537

Performers

Prior Walter
Harper Amaty Pitt / Ethel Rosenberg / The Angel Africanii
Louis Ironson / Rabbi Isador Chemelwitz / The Angel Antarctica
Hannah Porter Pitt / The Angel Asiatica
Joseph Porter Pitt / Henry / The Angel Europa
Belize / Mr Lies / The Angel Oceania
The Angel / Mormon Mother / Emily / Aleksii Antedilluvianovich Prelapsarianov
Roy M. Cohn / The Angel Australia
Musician / Sarah Ironson
Musician
Musician
Musician
Ned Swansey

Production Team

Associate
Stage Manager
Associate
Director
Assistant
Director
Dramaturg
Dramaturg
Dramaturg
Dramaturg
Set Designer
Lighting Designer
Sound Designer
Sound Designer
Props Designer
Makeup Artist
Associate
Stage Manager
Assistant
Stage Manager
Assistant
Lighting Designer
Assistant
Makeup Artist
Assistant
Makeup Artist