Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes

Research the evolution of AIDS dramas in the 1980s and ’90s. Where do you think Angels in America falls in terms of goals and representation? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

What is the significance of religion in the text? What do you think the play says about religion and faith?

The plays are full of vivid symbols, some of which transcend the idea of reality. Choose one of these nonrealistic symbols. What do you think it means? Use evidence from the text to explain the significance.

How would you describe the structure of Angels in America? Who would you name as the protagonist and the antagonist? Why?

All of the characters are played by eight actors, who each have one primary role and one or several secondary roles. Why do you think these eight characters are the primary characters? Choose one character and trace their roles through the text. Why do you think they are double cast in those parts?

Research the life and career of Roy Cohn. How did Kushner fictionalize him? What about the character seems real? How does Kushner use his version of Roy to tell a particular story?

Kushner notes that the special effects should not create illusions of reality. For instance, the audience should be able to see the wires holding the angel in the air. Why do you think he gives that direction? What effect do you think this choice has on the plays?

Imagine that you are producing these two plays today. What do you think you might have to educate a contemporary audience about to prepare them for the production? How might you get that information across?