THE WONDROUS IMAGINATION OF OVID THE STORYTELLER
A series of events celebrating Shakespeare’s Favourite Poet
No other Greek or Roman classic has influenced European art – including Shakespeare – more than Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Full of myths both familiar and forgotten, Ovid’s great work tells of love, violence and transformation. 2,000 years after his death, the Royal Shakespeare Company celebrate the wonderful tales of one of Shakespeare’s greatest inspirations with events for all ages across three weeks in October 2017.
In conversation: Ovid and Shakespeare
Sunday 8 October, 2.30pm - £10 / £5
Artistic Director Gregory Doran introduces our series of events with a conversation exploring Ovid’s modern relevance and his influence on Shakespeare’s writing, with Guardian journalist Charlotte Higgins and historian Michael Wood.
Tales from Ovid by Ted Hughes
Sunday 8 October, 4pm - £20 / £15
A selection of Ted Hughes' famous retelling of Ovid's Metamorphoses, chosen by Gregory Doran, and read by RSC actors past and present.
Three Tales from Ovid
Retold by Amber Hsu
Tuesday 10 and Thursday 12 October, 10.30am and 1.30pm - £10 / £5
Staged readings of three new plays for 8-11-year olds retold by Amber Hsu, from Ovid’s tales, and featuring characters that we continue to meet throughout Shakespeare’s plays. Specially created education resources and workshops for Key Stage 2 children will also be available
Dead or Alive Poetry Slam
Thursday 12 October, 7.30pm - £10 / £5
Witness a battle of words and wit as three of the UK's leading slam poets challenge Ovid, Horace and Virgil in three-minute performances in front of a panel of judges. A collaboration with Apples & Snakes.
Musical Transformations, a Concert
Thursday 19 October, 7.30pm - £20 / £15
A concert of music and text inspired by Ovid, featuring works by Benjamin Britten, William Walton and the world premiere of a new piece by the 2017 RSC Resident Composer, Sarah Llewellyn.
The Metamorphoses
Based on the poems by Ovid
Brad Birch
Tuesday 24 October, 7.30pm - £5 (all tickets)
A rehearsed reading of playwright Brad Birch’s (2013 Edinburgh Fringe First winner for Gardening: for the Unfulfilled and Alienated) fresh, contemporary look at stories from Ovid’s Metamorphoses. An RSC commission.
Metamorphoses told by storytellers Daniel Morden and Hugh Lupton
Friday 27 October, 7.30pm - £10 / £5
Erotic and poignant, Ovid’s Metamorphoses has enchanted audiences and inspired artists for more than two thousand years. Daniel Morden and Hugh Lupton retell these great tales that charm and chill us still today. This performance includes the stories of Arachne, Orpheus in the Underworld, The Death of Adonis and Baucis & Philemon.
Metamorphoses told by storytellers Daniel Morden and Hugh Lupton – for families
Saturday 28 October, 1.30pm - £5 (all tickets)
A family friendly performance from Ovid's timeless collection for children aged 8 and over, featuring some of the most famous stories in the Classical world, including Midas, Echo and Narcissus and The Theft of Persephone.
Daniel Morden and Hugh Lupton are two of the UK's most popular tellers of traditional tales. They are regular collaborators with Cambridge Schools Classics Project. In 2006 were awarded the Classical Association Award for 'their outstanding contribution to public understanding of the classics'.
Booking
Public booking opens on the 24 May 2017, to book call 01789 403493 or online at www.rsc.org.uk/ovid
Notes to Editors
Press Contact information
For further information: amy.belson@rsc.org.uk / 01789 412622 / 07843483146
Images for media use
Media can download images by registering at www.rsc.org.uk/press-images
Supporters
The RSC Acting Companies are generously supported by THE GATSBY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION and THE KOVNER FOUNDATION
The work of the RSC Literary Department is generously supported by THE DRUE HEINZ TRUST
