Pupils inspired by Shakespeare
WORKSHOPS BRING PLAYS TO LIFE IN CLASSROOM
Students and teachers in Sunderland were able to bring Shakespeare to life when they took part in a special drama workshop with Donmar Warehouse.
The production company and NT Theatre Nation has produced Shakespeare Trilogy on Screen Roadshow which aims to inspire and engage youngsters.
The roadshow celebrates the fact that screen versions of the Donmar Warehouse’s all-female Shakespeare Trilogy are available to watch for free in all schools across the UK, via the National Theatre’s in-schools service.
Set in a women’s prison, the productions – directed by Phyllida Lloyd – asks “Who owns Shakespeare?”.
As part of the roadshow’s national tour, Donmar Warehouse and NT Theatre Nation visited youngsters and teachers from Southmoor Academy, on Ryhope Road, Sunderland.
Phil McCormack, Donmar education manager, said: “We wanted to find a way of sharing the artists and the creative process behind the productions with young people.
“What we have done is create a website of more than 200 resources and 48 films made with the creative team that work to unpack the plays.
“The resources are designed to help teach English, drama and PHSE.
“We are trying to find as many different ways as we can to support teachers and students.”
Year 10 pupils from the school worked with one actor and about two directors during the workshops.
They looked at clips of the films and how it is translated from stage to screen.
They also looked at links it has to modern-day and the effect it has on the audience.