STARS of the stage are talking Shakespeare.
With the Royal Shakespeare Company’s theatres currently closed to the public, RSC artistic director Gregory Doran has invited associate and honorary associate artists from throughout the company’s history to join him for an exclusive series of online conversations discussing their experience of performing Shakespeare at the RSC and beyond.
Talking Shakespeare features contributions from Judi Dench, Ray Fearon, Harriet Walter, Patrick Stewart, Alexandra Gilbreath, David Tennant, Adjoa Andoh, Simon Russell Beale and Paterson Joseph with further guests to be announced in the coming weeks.
Mr Doran said: “The chance to talk Shakespeare with some of the great Shakespeare actors of today, to explore their lifetimes’ experience of verse, the challenges of some of the greatest roles ever written, and the opportunity to hear their advice to young actors, their favourite passages, and how we think about Shakespeare’s work is something I am really thrilled about and looking forward to sharing with all our loyal friends and supporters in these testing times.”
The exclusive live, hour-long online events series will run weekly on a Monday from 5pm and is open to subscribers, members and patrons of the RSC plus the company’s nationwide network of associate school teachers.
The events are free as a thank you for the ongoing support given to the company during the pandemic, but with a suggested donation of £10.
Money raised will support the company’s Keep Your RSC campaign to help secure the future of the RSC and its mission to transform lives through amazing experiences of Shakespeare and great theatre.
Those wishing to support the Keep Your RSC campaign by becoming a new Member or supporter can do so and benefit from Talking Shakespeare and future events. Further details of how to support can be found at www.rsc.org.uk/support/become-a-member-supporter
Executive director Catherine Mallyon said: “Our Members and supporters are providing the Company with vital income during the Covid-19 crisis. Since the closure of our theatres in March we have been finding new and creative ways of engaging with our supporters online. Initiatives range from regular Zoom updates from our artistic team to virtual talks and behind-the-scenes exclusive events for patrons and members, including a first screening of our 2019 production of King John via You Tube earlier this month.
“We are extremely grateful to our members and supporters, who have recognised the very challenging position we find ourselves in, alongside all theatres and arts venues around the country.
“And whilst it is sadly too early to say when we will be able to re-open and what the future might look like, we hope that ‘Talking Shakespeare’ and other similar events will continue to entertain and engage our membership through this challenging time, and importantly thank them for their ongoing and vital support as we look forward to the time when we can safely re-open”.
Visit www.rsc.org.uk for further details.
