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What is Textual Analysis? Throughout the year we will study a text - Angels In America by Tony Kushner. We will know this text thoroughly. We well be exploring the plot, historical/social context, themes, characters etc and then using this alongside our drama knowledge to discuss how it could be created on the stage for a performance. This text will be used for your response to the Section 1 and 2 of the final written exam as well as likely being used for the acting and/or design exam. |
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A bit about the play
Angels In America by Tony Kushner contains 2 parts - Millennium Approaches and Perestroika. We will focus on Part 1: Millenium Approaches
The play premiered in San Francisco in 1991.
Millennium Approaches mainly takes place in New York City and Salt Lake City, during 1985 to 1986.
The play focuses on the stories of two troubled couples, one gay, one straight: "word processor" Louis Ironson and his lover Prior Walter, and Mormon lawyer Joe Pitt and his wife Harper. After the funeral of Louis's grandmother, Prior tells him that he has contracted AIDS, and Louis panics. He tries to care for Prior but soon realizes he cannot stand the strain and fear. Meanwhile, Joe is offered a job in the Justice Department by Roy Cohn, his right-wing, bigoted mentor and friend. But Harper, who is addicted to Valium and suffers anxiety and hallucinations, does not want to move to Washington.
The two couples' lives become intertwined - both physically as well as through a hallucinogenic dream state.
The play is written for eight actors, each of whom plays two or more roles. Tony Kushner's doubling, as he has indicated in the published script, requires several of the actors to play the opposite sex.
Angels In America by Tony Kushner contains 2 parts - Millennium Approaches and Perestroika. We will focus on Part 1: Millenium Approaches
The play premiered in San Francisco in 1991.
Millennium Approaches mainly takes place in New York City and Salt Lake City, during 1985 to 1986.
The play focuses on the stories of two troubled couples, one gay, one straight: "word processor" Louis Ironson and his lover Prior Walter, and Mormon lawyer Joe Pitt and his wife Harper. After the funeral of Louis's grandmother, Prior tells him that he has contracted AIDS, and Louis panics. He tries to care for Prior but soon realizes he cannot stand the strain and fear. Meanwhile, Joe is offered a job in the Justice Department by Roy Cohn, his right-wing, bigoted mentor and friend. But Harper, who is addicted to Valium and suffers anxiety and hallucinations, does not want to move to Washington.
The two couples' lives become intertwined - both physically as well as through a hallucinogenic dream state.
The play is written for eight actors, each of whom plays two or more roles. Tony Kushner's doubling, as he has indicated in the published script, requires several of the actors to play the opposite sex.
Historical & Social Context
