Top 5 theatre shows to see this week (August 19-25)

Purposeless Movements – The Studio, Edinburgh

This dance-theatre piece by Glasgow’s Birds of Paradise is written by Robert Softley Gale for four performers with cerebral palsy. Part of the Edinburgh International Festival, it runs from August 19-24.

Birds of Paradise artistic director Robert Softley Gale: ‘Let’s make space to tell others’ stories’

The Doctor – Almeida Theatre, London

Robert Icke directs Juliet Stevenson – who starred in his productions of Mary Stuart and Hamlet – in his own adaptation of Arthur Schnitzler’s play Professor Bernhardi. It opens on August 20.

Breaking the Waves – King’s Theatre, Edinburgh

Lars von Trier’s controversial film about a vulnerable woman who engages in a series of sexual encounters at her husband’s behest is the basis for this new opera by Missy Mazzoli and Royce Vavrek. Bristol Old Vic’s Tom Morris directs the production which runs from August 21-25.

Read our interview with sound designer Jon Nicholls

Hard to be Soft: A Belfast Prayer – Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh

Inspired by her home city, Oona Doherty’s new dance piece explores the machismo and vulnerability of Belfast men. It runs from August 21-24 as part of the Edinburgh International Festival.

Appropriate – Donmar Warehouse, London

Monica Dolan and Edward Hogg star in Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ play about an America family going on a road trip to the South. Ola Ince directs the production opening on August 22.