Norwich Theatre has announced free adult workshops for a bold new Community Co-Production to be performed this autumn. The co-production is a collaboration between Norwich Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) and will tell the untold stories of our local communities.
Norwich Theatre is one of six regional theatres to partner with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) on Shakespeare Nation. Through Shakespeare Nation, Norwich Theatre are reaching out to communities around the county creating opportunities for people to discover the relevance of Shakespeare’s stories to their lives today.
Sam Beal, Creative Engagement & Audiences Manager said: “This is a really unique opportunity to get involved and tell your story, and we cannot wait to start working with our communities, and see the piece take shape!”
The journey starts with a series of free introductory sessions – Intro to Shakespeare, Voice and Language, Writing – part of Norwich Theatre’s Shakespeare Saturdays led by RSC practitioners. These workshops introduce or reintroduce Shakespeare’s work in a fun, low-pressure environment.
Come along and raise a toast to the bard himself on his birthday Welcome Evening: Shakespeare Nation (23 Apr). Watch project films, hear stories from past productions, and explore a new exhibition of community stories. You will also have the opportunity to learn more about our plans for the production and how you can get involved and take part as a Citizen Theatre Maker.
There are four Citizen Theatre Makers groups open to anyone over 18: Community Folk, a relaxed musical group for all ages celebrating our heritage and hopes for the future; Stories in Motion, a movement–based group exploring what happens when culture, tradition, and dance are woven together; Storytellers, a group crafting new narratives through writing and performance; and Women in Shakespeare, a group for women 50+ reclaiming the roles of Ophelia and Gertrude. All of the groups are completely free to attend but need to be booked. These workshops go on sale on 14 Mar.
The groups will initially work on their own part of the production before coming together to form a community company for a new production, taking place in Norwich Theatre’s venues and beyond this autumn.
Sam Beal added: “This production will be an innovative, brave, inclusive work born of communities, which is really exciting. We’ve never done anything quite like this, and I cannot wait to see the incredible stories our Citizen Theatre Makers will tell.”
For more information or to book, visit norwichtheatre.org or call the Box Office on 01603 630 000.
