It may be 40 years old this month but it’s still in remarkably good shape and acquiring new muscle all the time. London Drama’s coming of middle age coincides with its participation in Shared Values 2 - an international forum of seminars, performances and master classes about theatre for children and young people from June 20 to 22 at the Oval House, Kennington.
Last year’s Shared Values conference, the first of its kind, proved that the coming together of teachers and theatre practitioners was a mix that was heady, sometimes fiery and always stimulating. While finding a common language between the two disciplines is not always easy, the quest for it is certainly illuminating. Among the participants this year are Bando de Teatro Olodum from Brazil, Theatre Rites UK, Theater La Balance from Denmark, and the Young Vic. For bookings, ring Jo Belloli on 0181 560 0736.
And still with London Drama, you might want to note in your diary that Quality and Innovation in the Performing Arts, a one-day conference for GCSE, A-level, BTec and GNVQ teachers, is scheduled for June 26 at the Holborn Centre for the Performing Arts. The programme focuses on the implications for performing arts teachers of the Dearing Review for ages 16 to 19. Among those speaking are Dr Michael Young, director of the Post 16 Centre at the Institute of Education, Jonathan Holloway of Red Shift Theatre Company, and Peter Nelson, head of performing arts at East Berkshire College. Part of the day will be spent in practical workshops. Bookings through Janine Russell on 0171 306 5823.
Pop-Up Theatre embarks on a three-month tour to theatres, schools and arts centres with their new show Iron Dreams, by Tim Newton, which looks at the achievements of Isambard Kingdom Brunel through his children’s eyes. Tel: 0171 275 8376.
A theatre project bringing together old and young people is underway at the Bagshaw Museum in Batley, Kirklees. The collaboration between Huddersfield’s Proper Job Theatre Company and the museum involves the generations working together to research real-life stories and use them to explore issues facing young and old today. Information: Lorraine Greenald on 01924 472514.
You’ve seen the movie and have been fed the hokum, now see the play and learn the truth. Polka Theatre’s The Peace of Pocahontas, a new play by Richard Pinner, tells the story of the Powhatan Indian princess who saved the life of Captain John Smith when she was only 12, paving ther way for peaceful relations between the two communities at a tricky time. The show, which is suitable for children aged eight and over, runs until June 8. Tel: 0181 543 4888.
Another Disney victim getting a more serious theatrical airing can be seen in Visible Fictions’ The Adventures of Pinocchio, in a new version by Stephen Greenhorn. The company, which was last year’s Bank of Scotland Young People’s Theatre Award winner, tours Scotland until June 22. Tel: 01786 466603.
The Bishop Auckland Youth Drama Group is looking for new members aged 11 and up to join in on workshops every Friday in the Hutchinson Gallery at the Town Hall. For information, ring Katy on 01388 607060.
