Norwich Theatre is delighted to announce Shakespeare Nation: A Norwich Story a bold new community co-production which will be performed across Norwich on 21 September. This is the culmination of a summer-long community theatre programme in partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), celebrating creativity and telling untold stories of our local community. Tickets are now on sale.
This year’s production explores the timeless tragedy Hamlet through a series of original, self-devised pieces created by our Citizen Theatre Makers, locals from across Norfolk who have participated in this impactful arts programme. Through Shakespeare Nation, Norwich Theatre – in collaboration with RSC – are creating opportunities for people to discover the relevance of Shakespeare’s stories to their lives today.
Performances will include everything from a Bharatanatyam-inspired dance, to a modern feminist exploration of Ophelia and Gertrude, to multilingual presentations by recent migrants exploring displacement. Each piece offers a deeply personal take on the themes of madness, identity, power and grief that are explored within Hamlet.
“This project is about sharing the joy and excitement of Shakespeare,” says Miche Montague, Creative Engagement Producer at Norwich Theatre. “And giving people a long-lasting relationship with theatre” by helping them see themselves in Shakespeare’s work, regardless of their background.
Brendon Connelly, who has been taking part in the Storytellers group, adds, “There’s something about Norwich … it’s a special place to be doing this. This project is going to take over so much of the city … and I really love this city.”
Highlights include Aham, a cultural fusion led by the Stories in Motion group and choreographed with support from Natyapriya Dance Company, which reimagines Gertrude and Claudius’ marriage as an Indian wedding. Meanwhile, Green Girl, a moving piece from the Women in Shakespeare group, explores women’s societal roles through Ophelia’s use of symbolic herbs.
Creative sessions have been led by acclaimed artists including playwright Steve Waters (Professor of Scriptwriting, UEA) and holistic voice coach Mary Benefiel, who introduced participants to voicework using the Indian Shruti box, allowing them to explore the text through different creative mediums.
As an accredited Theatre of Sanctuary, that champions accessibility and diversity in the arts, Norwich Theatre has also been working with refugee women on a visual project, led by local artist Anna Brass, making flags inspired by Norwich’s architecture and history.
Tickets are now on sale, but some performances will be happening in public spaces and will not need tickets.
For more information and to book tickets, visit: www.norwichtheatre.org. Follow Norwich Theatre on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content and digital performances.
