The National Theatre’s in-service programme this term includes courses on Brecht, Stanislavski, commedia dell’arte, teaching unseen texts, introducing Shakespeare to primary schools, “Our Country’s Good” by Timberlake Wertenbaker, Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House” and a voice workshop. For more information, ring the National on 0171 928 2033.
Also at the National: its excellent Platform series includes a talk by theatre director Stephen Unwin on “A Pocket Guide to Shakespeare’s Plays”, which he wrote with the late Kenneth McLeish last year (see review, page 11). It takes place on April 27 at 6pm in the Cottesloe. Information from Ewan Thomson on 0171 928 2033 extension 232.
And across the way at the Royal Festival Hall, Resonance Theatre present “Jaguar”, a multimedia production about the jungle with music from South America. Based on the book by Helen Cowcher, it can be seen on April 16 only, at 2pm and 3.30pm and is recommended for children aged six and up.To book, ring 0171 960 4242.
Merseyside Young People’s Theatre’s new play, “My Bit of Sky” by Mark Hollander, explores the theme of sharing. Aimed at three to seven-year-olds, it focuses on a boy and a girl whosedifferent lives do not stop them from learning about how to share. The show comes with a free teacher’s resource pack and is touring schools, nurseries and venues nationwide until mid June. For details, ring 0151 708 0877.
New Peckham Varieties in south London has secured funding for a youth arts programme for 11 to 16-year-olds who want to develop performing arts techniques. The summer term starts on April 27. Ring Kathryn Worthington or Rosie Phillips on 0171 708 5401 for more information.
“Tir Na n-Og” is an Irish fairy tale adapted by Greg Banks. Produced bythe Bristol-based Travelling Light Theatre Company, the play is set among gypsy children in Dublin. You can see it at the Unicorn Theatre inLondon’s West End until April 25.Bookings on 0171 836 3334.
The Belgrade Youth Theatre presents “Guys and Dolls” from April 28 to May 2 at the Belgrade Theatre Coventry. Bookings: 01203 553 055.
Shakespeare’s Globe Education Department runs a continuous series of seminars, workshops and lectures of interest to a range of audiences. Forthcoming talks include: “Discovering the Globe” on April 25, a demonstration on the crafts that went into the rebuilding of the Globe Theatre; “Philo-Semitism and Anti-Semitism of Elizabethan Christians” on April 28 at 7pm.
There will also be Sunday afternoon staged readings of portrayals of Jews in plays contemporary with “The Merchant of Venice” (which will be staged by the theatre) including “The Whore of Babylon” by Thomas Dekker on April 5 and “The Jew of Malta” on May 3.
For a brochure and further information, contact Globe Education on 0171 902 1400.
