Phase one of the Shakespeare Nation project is complete, after 10 weeks of creative sessions supported by the Royal Shakespeare Company, exploring Hamlet through writing, movement and voice. This sets the stage for Norwich Hamlets, a series of community co-productions comprised of short performances devised by local Citizen Theatre Makers, which will take place throughout the city this autumn.
To support this event, Norwich Theatre has partnered with local artists to help engage the wider community with the project and celebrate the diverse people of the city. The artist we’d like to highlight today is leading the Ophelia’s Dress project, a costume-focused art piece designed and constructed by a local costume designer, which will act as the canvas for embroidery pieces that will be made by our communities.
Costume Designer, Amanda Harrold, studied Drama and Theatre Arts at Goldsmiths College in the early 90s and has worked in costuming for nearly 30 years. Previously Head of Wardrobe at another local theatre, she met with our very own Miche Montague, Creative Engagement Producer, who invited her to lead on the “Ophelia’s Dress” project.
“I’ve never made a costume that no one is going to wear before”, says Amanda, “nor a costume that will have so many contributions from other people”. The ambitious project is a first for Norwich Theatre too, creating a costume of this scope to be adorned with pieces designed and sewn by local people.
The embroidery project is already underway, but anyone interested in contributing to the design can do so by coming along to the Norwich Theatre Open Day on 9 Aug, where you will have a chance to create a small (A5) piece of textile art in the medium of your choice, which will be added to the design of Ophelia’s Dress. You can also pick up some fabric and an information pack on the day and leave your submission at the Box Office.
“Shakespeare is always a bit of a blank canvas”, says Amanda, who has dressed many Shakespearean characters throughout her career, most notably Lady Macbeth and Titania. “You can choose to approach the design of his plays in many different ways, which is always exciting”, she adds. It will be interesting to see how the local community interprets Hamlet and work out how their contributions can be incorporated into the final design.
Norwich Hamlets will be taking place at landmarks around Norwich on 21 Sep, and Ophelia’s Dress will be on display around Norwich Theatre before making her final stop at Stage Two for Norwich Hamlets.
Tickets are on sale now – so don’t miss out!
