Shane Bosher Fantastical modern gay classic Angels in America is being brought to the stage in its full two-part glory for the first time ever in New Zealand. It will be the final act of outgoing Silo gay Artistic Director Shane Bosher, who says if you have never seen it – it’s mandatory, and if you have – it’s even more necessary. After Angels in America’s run Bosher will leaves the theatre company which has brought numerous gay stories to the stage since its inception. Right from 2003 we were treated to Unidentified Human Remains and the True Nature of Love, Shopping debuting in 1993 it brought the plight of the gay community in America during the 80s AIDS epidemic to light in unflinching fashion and became a watershed moment for those who were to come out to their family or to tell them they were diagnosed with the terminal illness. “The number of people I've spoken to who say that Angels changed their life - I've heard that so many times” Stephen Spinella, who won a Tony in 1994 for his portrayal of Prior Walter, told OUT in 2010. “It cracked a lot of things open, and people felt like for the first time they were sitting in the theatre watching people tell the truth about the way the world works.” Angels in America has been enjoying revivals worldwide lately. Celebrated gay actor Zachary Quinto led a major New York revival in 2011 and Belvoir’s production in Sydney was so successful this year, selling out before it opened, that it transferred to the larger Theatre Royal. Auckland has only ever experienced the first half of Kushner’s wild fantasia. This epic two-parter can be seen independently, or together in sequence in marathon sessions on Saturdays and Sundays. Silo says it will be just like a magnificent HBO weekend marathon, only live. “If you’ve never seen it, this is mandatory,” Bosher says. “If you’ve seen it before, it’s even more necessary.” He continues: “Great plays always have something to say to us and this story grapples with all of the big issues our world is facing today. “I’m beyond excited to finally be doing these plays. It’s the perfect final moment to celebrate my time with this wonderful company. “See you in March.” GayNZ.com staff - 23rd November 2013