from Jane Alden
Begins September 30, 1–2:30 p.m. at the Public Library
I realized one day that I’ve never met an actor or director who’s performed or directed Shakespeare who does not love the plays, so, because I am saddened when I hear of someone disliking or fearing these treasures, I decided to lead a workshop, approaching the plays as a director or an actor would, which is somewhat different than they are approached academically.
A director or an actor needs to know what precisely is going on at every moment on a human, playable level, beneath the poetry. This is basically what we explore.
The play this time will be Macbeth. The choice of play was suggested to me by a student who wanted me to teach this in anticipation of the National Theatre Company’s production of the play coming to the Orcas Center via satellite in mid -October, which I thought was an excellent idea. I also like the fact of working on this play over and during Halloween!
The result is a deeper, more personal experience of the plays than normal study of them affords and the process is way more dynamic and fun. The plays were meant to be either experienced, as an audience experiences them, or studied, as the director and performers study them in order to bring them to life. This is what we do and the results have justified my belief that this is a rich and enlivening way to approach these works.
Cost for the workshop is only $65, To enroll, please contact me via email.
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