This October 13th to 16th a collaboration between our Department of English Studies, Sir Thomas Allen Assembly Rooms Theatre, Elysium Theatre Company, and Palace Green Library, is offering pupils from local schools and colleges the opportunity to experience the transformation of Shakespeare from page to stage to virtual reality.
In a series of educational workshops at our Assembly Rooms Theatre from 13th to 16th October, pupils can participate in masterclasses delivered by Elysium Theatre’s Artistic Director, Jake Murray, featuring Shakespearean actors Jamie Brown, Faz Singhateh, and Macy Stasiak performing key scenes from Othello (for A-Level students) and Macbeth (GCSE and primary). As they give directions to the professional actors, together they will see how the Bard’s words are interpreted in a theatrical production, helping them to develop a better understanding of Shakespeare’s language and its original context.
These workshops will be beneficial for pupils studying A-Level or GCSE English or Drama, or being introduced to Shakespeare for the first time at primary level.
Each visit is free for school groups and runs for two hours, with up to 60 places available per workshop. Students also have the opportunity to take a special tour of our Shakespeare Recovered exhibition on Palace Green Library, while teachers can test out how VR technology might be used to bring Shakespeare to the home or classroom.
Supported by City Of Durham Parish Council, a financial contribution to coach travel may be available.
As pupils take part in the masterclass at the Assembly Rooms, teachers will have the option to explore how Virtual Reality technology could be used to make theatre accessible and immersive in the context of a classroom, supported by Dr Alistair Brown. This would be open for one teacher to experience per group, and we ask that an additional member of school staff remain with the students in the workshop, alongside an enhanced DBS checked member of Elysium’s supporting staff.
Additionally, Palace Green Library are offering a tour around Durham’s First Folio exhibition before or after each Assembly Rooms workshop. This visit will feature a guided tour around the exhibition with Emily Dowler (Learning and Engagement Team), participation in the Binding the Bard activity, and an opportunity to discuss what will happen to the Folio in the future. For more information about the exhibition, visit:
This tour is open for groups of up to 30 students at a time, with limited space available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that travel of groups between the Assembly Rooms Theatre and Palace Green Library, whilst a 2 minute walk, will be the sole responsibility of the visiting school staff.
GCSE (Macbeth)
A-Level (Othello)
Primary Schools (Macbeth)
Each visit is free for school groups and runs for two hours, with 60 places available per masterclass. We also have a small financial contribution available to support schools with their travel to the Assembly Rooms, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please do get in touch to discuss this offer, if relevant to you.
To book in your space, please contact elysiumtcengagement@gmail.com stating your interest, as well as letting us know if you would like to take part in the Shakespeare Recovered event at Palace Green Library, and if a member of staff would be participating in the VR Experience.
This opportunity is supported by City Of Durham Parish Council, Durham University, and Elysium Theatre.
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