RSC LIVESTREAMS BRING MACBETH TO OVER 200,000 YOUNG PEOPLE
The Royal Shakespeare Company’s (RSC) production of Macbeth is reaching thousands of young people across the country through its free Live Lesson and Schools’ Broadcast, part of RSC Education’s online education programme.
35,000 young people registered to participate in the 45-minute Live Lesson for Macbeth, which took place on Friday 20 April. Students experienced a unique insight into the creative process and interpretive choices that directors and actors make as they prepare to stage a new production. Actor, Niamh Cusack, who plays Lady Macbeth, explored some of the approaches to her character’s key speeches, working with the production’s Assistant Director, Peter Bradley.
On Thursday (26 April), Macbeth will be screened directly into schools around the country. Over 260,000 students are registered to see the production, as part of the Company’s Free Schools’ Broadcasts, and they will get the opportunity to ask members of the cast and creative team questions as part of a live Q&A.
Jacqui O’Hanlon, Director of Education said:
“It’s fantastic that thousands of young people have registered to join us from their classrooms to experience our work in the rehearsal room, and to see our production of Macbeth.
“Rehearsals are traditionally a private space for actors and directors where they can experiment and try out different interpretations before performing their work in front of an audience. By offering this special access, schools across the UK get a unique insight into the process of bringing one of Shakespeare’s most studied plays to life.
“We know the impact that Shakespeare’s work and the theatre-making process can have on the life chances, attitudes and aspirations of young people. Creating free digital opportunities for UK schools to access our productions and rehearsals means that we can reach more young people than ever before, helping them to experience the extraordinary power of Shakespeare’s language in their school and local community.”
The RSC’s next free Schools’ Broadcast is Erica Whyman’s production of Romeo and Juliet on 21 November as part of theniamh Free Schools’ Broadcast series. For more information and registration details see www.rsc.org.uk/education/schools-broadcasts/
RSC Schools' Broadcasts and Live Lessons are generously supported by Virgin Media as part of its commitment to make good things happen through digital.
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For further information contact Jo Hammond at jo.hammond@rsc.org.uk T: 07739 330294.
Notes to Editors:
The work of the RSC Education Department is generously supported by PAUL HAMLYN FOUNDATION, THE ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER FOUNDATION, THE POLONSKY FOUNDATION, THE ERNEST COOK TRUST and TAK ADVISORY LIMITED
The RSC Acting Companies are generously supported by THE GATSBY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION and THE KOVNER FOUNDATION
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About RSC Education
The Royal Shakespeare Company creates theatre at its best, made in Stratford-upon-Avon and shared around the world. Everyone at the RSC - from actors to armourers, musicians to technicians - plays a part in creating the world you see on stage.
We encourage everyone to enjoy a lifelong relationship with Shakespeare and live theatre and through our Education work change the way that children and young people experience Shakespeare at school. Our approach is rooted in a 130 year history of making theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon and sharing that wealth of skills and knowledge with teachers and students all over the world.
We build long term relationships with school, teachers and communities and particularly those who have the least access to Shakespeare, the RSC and cultural provision. Each year we reach over 530,000 young people in over 1,200 schools across the UK, inspiring children of all ages, backgrounds and abilities and ensuring that Shakespeare is for everyone.
Further information from: www.rsc.org.uk/education