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Our pick of political theatre and exhibitions

11 Jul 2012

From Democracy at the Old Vic to an Olympics exhibition at Tate Britain, we highlight the best of the arts for politics lovers

Our pick of political theatre and exhibitions

This article is from the July issue of Total Politics

Another London
As an accompaniment to the cultural coming-together of the 2012 Olympics, Tate Britain is presenting a collection of the work of some of the most revered photographers in the world, who were drawn to London at various points in the 20th century. This is London from a foreigner’s perspective, a London that its residents, commuters and transiters can miss or take for granted. The collection will include Robert Frank’s haunting London (Child Running from Hearse, 1962) alongside works by the late Henri Cartier-Bresson and Eve Arnold, as well as a host of lesser-known photographers from as far afield as the Soviet Union, Latin America, Africa and the Caribbean.
From 27 July to 16 September, Tate Britain

Democracy
By Michael Frayn
Michael Frayn’s stylish and sharp-witted thriller comes to London after its highly-acclaimed run at Sheffield Theatres. This timely revival of Democracy takes us into a world of intrigue, espionage and betrayal. Based on real life events during the final months in office of the West German chancellor Willy Brandt, this political tale unfolds as suspicions arise that a Stasi spy has infiltrated his inner circle. This must-see play chronicles one of the most charismatic leaders in post-war politics. The original production won the Evening Standard Award and Critics’ Circle Best Play awards. Paul Miller directs.
SPECIAL OFFER with Total Politics: top price ticket for Democracy at The Old Vic only £25 (usually £35). To book: call 0844 8717628 or visit www.oldvictheatre.com and quote ‘politics’

The Doctor’s Dilemma
Written by George Bernard Shaw
Written as social reformism was gaining ground in Britain, Shaw’s 1906 play spins a web of confused motives, desires and prejudices hanging over an ‘experimental’ Harley Street doctor, Sir Colenso Ridgeon. He must choose to save one of his ten patients, but which one? The brilliant artist husband of beguiling Jennifer Dubedat, or Ridgeon’s poor, lowly, very ill colleague, Blenkinsop? Love, class and morality blight the doctor’s decision. The play also features a doctor paid by the state to provide medical care free at the point of need, who avoids Ridgeon’s unenviable situation – some 40 years before the National Health Service came into being.
From 17 July to 12 September, National Theatre