If you are a theatre educator at a university or high school, consider including these documentaries in your syllabus. You might also suggest that your media librarian add these educational documentaries to your academic library's film collection. These titles can inform students about many different facets of theatre.
Caesar Must Die (2012)
This film takes the classic play Julius Caesar but uses prisoners as the actors. Rome’s Rebibbia Prison inmates serve as its characters, and many have lived lives of betrayal, murder, and revenge like Shakespeare’s characters. The film meshes prison life with the theatrical to great impact, and this is a must-see for anyone interested in the intoxicating power of the stage.
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A Year Full of Drama (2019)
This film, set in Estonia, sees protagonist Alissiya take on a massive undertaking: She must watch and document every new production in the country over the course of the year. Paid for her troubles, Alissiya also had never experienced theater prior to this grand experiment. You often feel for her as she sits through productions she clearly doesn’t like. You also revel in when a character onstage has issues mirroring her own life. The film is a testament to the stage, as well as a love letter to the country of Estonia.
It Takes A Lunatic (2019)
Centering around the American Place theater in New York, this documentary explores owner Wynn Handman’s talents as a teacher and artistic director. More impressively is the list of pupils who learned from him: Richard Gere, James Caan, Alec Baldwin, and Michael Douglas all appear and remember acting gigs and odd jobs. However, much is said about Handman (who passed away in 2020 at age 97) and his commitment to diversity, as actors John Leguizamo, Frank Chin, and Dael Orlandersmith all venerate the man for giving them opportunities.
Life After Tomorrow (2006)
This film is an exhaustive look into various performers who portrayed orphans in the 1977-1983 run of Annie. With over forty interviewees, the highs and lows of child stardom, returning to a normal life after production, and the grueling schedule of being on Broadway are all explored. This one would be useful as a cautionary tale for theater students.
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Purchase Life After Tomorrow on DVD