Macbeth Session King Lear Session Merchant Session Romeo & Juliet Session Choices Bullying Prevention Sessions

Transcription

1 Macbeth Session King Lear Session Merchant Session Romeo & Juliet Session Choices Bullying Prevention Sessions Health Action Zone

2 Welcome to our 2017/18 season! This year we have two new shows for you: The Macbeth Session and Choices. The Macbeth Session was a huge success for us in its first outing that ran from and we re looking forward to performing this classic to a new cycle of Leaving Cert students. Choices, supported by the HSE, examines the effects of binge drinking on young people, family and society. Alongside Cyclone Rep s trademark humour and thought-provoking performances, Choices is research-led in its exploration of the topic of teenage drinking. Last year over 27,000 audience members saw our work. We are looking forward to reaching even more of you as we extend our season to start mid-october. To facilitate this we are playing at two additional venues: The Belltable Arts Centre in Limerick and The Pavillion in Dun Laoghaire. Also, our tour to Northern Ireland will play even more dates this year. Lastly, where does the inspiration for our work come from? As always: your feedback. Your input is highly valued. (See student feedback below). For example, Choices has been developed to address stakeholders expressed need for a forum to discuss the dangers of binge drinking. Hence, as always, your vision feeds our vision. Peadar Donohoe, Artistic Director THE KING LEAR SESSION The King Lear Reboot is a highly engaging review of King Lear as well as giving students a better understanding of the themes and motives of the characters in the play. A humorous, engaging experience - well worth the money and time. - C.B. (Student from Colaiste an Eachreidh, Galway) THE MERCHANT SESSION It was very funny and it helped me learn. I hurt so much from laughing so hard. I loved the way they stopped to explain the important bits and the way they included the audience. It was very funny. - J.H. (Student from Ennistymon CBS, Limerick) THE ROMEO & JULIET SESSION I like how the show was modernised, which made it more relatable and it was easier to follow than the movie version, for example. The play was very well presented in terms of performance, and the music created an appropriate but often lively atmosphere. I really enjoyed the characters, particularly Romeo and the Nurse. It was very easy to follow overall and the little intermissions between scenes helped me to understand why something was happening and its importance. - E.O S. (Student from Coláiste Mhuire, Askeaton, Limerick) Mission Statement: Cyclone Rep is a not-for-profit Theatre-in-Education arts organisation. Our mission is to provide audiences of young people with an exciting and multi-faceted theatrical experience that they can connect with, enjoy and find helpful in their lives. Furthermore a core aim is to spark a want for theatre that encourages them to return. info@cyclonerep.com (+353) CycloneRepTheatre

3 New New Show! The Macbeth Session Come and solve the puzzle that is Macbeth! The mystery and magic of The Scottish Play as you ve never seen it before! Hecate joins the actors analyzing the bard s goriest play. A riddle is put forth to the students which, once answered, will aid understanding in how to dissect the themes of bloody Macbeth for their exams. Topics and themes analysed in this Session: The Source; The Porter s Speech, Appearance vs. Reality; Conscience and Guilt; Corruption; Ambition; The Theme of Blood; Evil vs. Good; Tropes; Manhood and Kingship; Lady Macbeth s Motivation; The Role of Women in the Play; The Role of the Supernatural in the Play; Free Will vs. Fate. I have seen many productions of Macbeth over the years and I thought this one was brilliant. The reason being that it brought the students into the event. The time passed quickly and we really enjoyed our trip to the theatre. - Brendan O Sullivan, Cork Teacher (Review from our last run of Macbeth in 2014). 120 mins Leaving Cert. 15 Resource Pack bit.ly/cycmacbeth Did you know that Lady Macbeth s real name was Gruoch and that the name Macbeth (or MacBheatha) means son of life in Gaelic?

4 The King Lear Session Reboot Following your feedback we created a new session version of King Lear. This new version cranks up the humour as the Cyclone Rep actors explore the the motivations of Lear, Kent, Goneril, Regan, Cordelia, Gloucester and Edmund with discussions and explanations that focus on the major themes of the play. As always, the play is performed faithfully to the text with top notch dramatic performances. Topics and themes analysed in this Session: The Natural Order vs. The Unnatural; Filial Ingratitude; Madness; The Divine Right of Kings; The Nature of Man; Power and Responsibility; Families Mirroring Nations; The Parallels of Lear and Gloucester s Journey; The Political Context of Lear s Time. 120 mins Leaving Cert. 15 Resource Pack Dynamic, fresh, vibrant and engaging show which breathes life into a leaving cert prescribed text. - Laura O Flanagan, Dublin Teacher. The Romeo & Juliet Session Cyclone Rep presents an updated version of the tale of star-crossed lovers with new cast, new look and new music! In this show Shakespeare comes to life and directs a group of modern actors in his great romantic tragedy. However, problems arise as Mr. Shakespeare s XVIth century attitudes and demeanour clash with those of the modern performers. Once again Cyclone Rep introduces students to one of Shakespeare s greatest plays with stunning performances, historical background, discussion of major themes, audience participation and interaction. info@cyclonerep.com (+353) CycloneRepTheatre

5 120 mins Junior Cycle 15 Resource Pack bit.ly/cycrnj Topics and themes analysed in this Session: Shakespeare s main source; Love as a religious experience; Romeo s Transformation; Historical context of the Capulet/Montague feud; Lack of women performers in Elizabethan Theatre; Storytelling in Shakespeare s time; Symbols in the play; Nature of Love; Benvolio s function; Conflict; Parental Authority; Love vs. Lust; Fate. Presented in a concise, informative and humorous way. Really useful advice on stagecraft, interpretation and performance. - Colm O Feachtnain, Dublin Teacher. - WORKING WITH OTHERS COMMUNICATING BEING CREATIVE BEING LITERATE KEY SKILLS BEING NUMERATE MANAGING MYSELF MANAGING INFORMATION & THINKING STAYING WELL Both shows bring together Key Junior Cycle Skills Turn page for more info mins Junior Cycle 15 Resource Pack bit.ly/cycmov I ve been teaching twenty years, and I have never seen a better student friendly play. Genius. - Kieran Doyle County Cork Teacher The Merchant Session The Merchant Session is an abridged version of the play and contains an entertaining scholarly review that clarifies the main themes and topics as well as an invitation for discussion and interaction. The show has the primary goal of helping Junior Cycle learners in their understanding of The Merchant of Venice while at the same time highlighting what a fine comedy it is. Topics and themes analysed in this Session: Context and Interpretation (Merchant of Venice in Nazi Germany); Launcelot s Conscience; Mercy and Justice; The Role of Religion; Types of Love: Filial, Romantic and Friendship; Isolation; Money and Wealth; Role of Women in Society; Appearance vs. Reality ; Prejudice and Racism. Did you know that the first reference to Montagues and Capulets is in Dante s The Divine Comedy and not in Shakespeare s play?

6 Junior Cycle Key Skills & Cyclo Top Tip: Download the resource packs for each Communicating»»Audience members invited on stage to participate.»»aid understanding of obscure terms.»»discussions with students on themes.»»presentation of themes in a dynamic audiovisual manner. Being Literate»»Develop an understanding of Shakespeare s language through modern examples.»»students are encouraged to get on their feet and read Shakespeare aloud as it was intended. COMMUNICATING BE LITE Download from cyclonerep.com our theme discussion template for students to perform, debate and discuss in class. Working with others»»debate of themes amongst students is encouraged and acceptance of different viewpoints is promoted. Taking opposite views in pairs for Merchant of Venice Is the play anti-jewish or not? and for Romeo & Juliet Are the lovers fated to die or do they have free will? Write a review of the show you just saw performed. What would you do to improve it? Why? Being Creative»»Different styles of performance are explored.»»multiple interpretations of characters are presented.»»alternate readings of scenes are offered. In groups choose a TV/Film Style (For example: Comedy, Martial Arts Movie, Gangster Film) and perform one scene from the play you just saw in that genre. WORKING WITH OTHERS BEING CREATIVE KE SKI BEIN NUMER

7 ne Rep s Shakespeare Sessions play from for more info! ING RATE MANAGING MYSELF managing myself»»emphasis is put on the importance of student s personal opinion.»»a variety of opinions on themes are presented to show the possibilities of multiple interpretations. Staying Well»»Audience members are asked to take the stage and perform with actors on selected scenes.»»lots of humour in our plays to increase the enjoyment factor. Y LLS G ATE MANAGING INFORMATION & THINKING STAYING WELL image courtesy of NCCA.ie Imagine you are one of the characters in the play you saw. If you could rewrite the story, what would you have done differently? Why? Managing Information & Thinking»»The modern context aids students to understand and relate to the plays. In groups create a series of Flash News Reports on camera summarising the main events of the play as if the events are just happening. Present them to the class. Shakespeare-in-a-minute In groups perform the whole plot of the play in one minute. Make it as fun and as physical as possible. Being Numerate»»During many debates Iambic Pentameter is discussed.»»exchange rate of old ducats is shown in Merchant of Venice so students can grasp the modern value. Tweet the plot of the play using 140 characters or less.

8 Cyclone Rep s Theatr The Bullying Prevention Sessions The Bullying Circle describes the roles students can play in bullying incidents. D Peers are often present and can play a part D by actively supporting the bullying D or by ignoring it. D However, when defending students take action, bullying often stops within 10 seconds. D can make the bullying worse for the targeted child. D This may contribute to the bullying as doing nothing If you are interested in any of these three shows please contact Peadar directly: peadar@cyclonerep.com The Bullying Prevention Session has strong positive effects in that it can increase peer empathy towards those targeted by bullying and raise perceptions that bullying is an issue that needs to be taken seriously. - Aoife O Donnell, UCC Masters Researcher, in her dissertation: Empathy and Attitudes towards Bullying Behaviour among Post Primary Secondary School Students: An Evaluation of the Bullying Prevention Session. Sponsored by: Health Action Zone Supported by:

9 e in Health shows BpS Primary The Bullying Prevention Session Primary (BPSP) is a classroom resource and workshop, created by Trinity researcher Dr. Peadar Donohoe. BPSP looks at what bullying is and who can be involved in bullying incidents. There is a focus on the feelings of others in order to foster empathy and a discussion on what can be done to prevent bullying. There are three parts to this workshop: 1. The school receives a small script about a bullying incident with discussion questions for the teachers/principal to explore and rehearse with their pupils. 2. On the presentation day the pupils will perform the script as part of the session. 3. Finally, the pupils will be asked to devise ideas about how to prevent bullying in their school. BPS Secondary 110 mins 3rd - 6th Classes (inclusive) Workshop fee is dependent on location 120 mins Written by Dr. Peadar Donohoe, Trinity School All Year Groups of Education Researcher on the use of drama techniques for bullying awareness and prevention. 10 The Bullying Prevention Session Secondary (BPSS) Resource Pack is a workshop, play and presentation. The goals are bit.ly/cycbpsresource to raise learner awareness and challenge attitudes; to define bullying and the forms it can take; to examine the contributing players of the bullying circle (see picture) and the impact of bullying. Ultimately the BPSS aims to include the students voice in bullying prevention strategies in their school. Research demonstrates when students are included in the bullying preventions strategies for their school, it does help to bring down the levels of bullying. Choices by Dr. Peadar Donohoe A play and presentation for secondary school students about the negative impact of alcohol. 100 mins All Secondary Year Groups 10 In the play Billy, Vikki and Oisin play a drinking game. Billy poisons himself with vodka and collapses into a coma. In this limbo state Billy meets Dr. Casey, a quirky positive psychologist, who shows Billy, through a dramatic and comic inquiry, how his choice to drink has been influenced by friends, family and media. At the end of the inquiry Billy is asked to choose a future he wants: is it one that is riddled with pain from excessive drinking or one where he embraces his life joyfully and happily? In the presentation section current research on the negative impact of drinking is shared combined with open questions to involve students in discussion. Supported by:

10 Our Shakespeare Session Cast Angela Newman David Peare Goneril, Edgar, King Lear, Capulet, Portia, Lady Capulet, Mercutio, Nurse, King Friar Laurence Duncan, Macduff laugh?: Jokes made laugh?: Plain old at inappropriate fashioned slapstick moments, people makes me laugh out falling over, the people I work with and loud. any of the muppet movies. Favourite play: The Curious Incident of a Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon (adapted for stage by Simon Stephens). Why?: Because it s clever, moving, funny and it s performed at such a pace that it s an exercise for your brain. Marcus Bale Leah Wood Macbeth, Shylock Juliet, Tybalt, Cordelia, Old Servant laugh?: Surprises, characters with silly laugh?: Improv voices and my kids. comedy and cats in boxes. Favourite play: It varies with time. Currently I love anything by and with Pat Kinevane Why?: His plays have a great mix of the real and the fantastical, the mundane and the supernatural. His characters are interesting physically, emotionally and psychologically. In a way, I think of him as a XXIth century Shakespeare. Favourite play: Catalpa by Donal O Kelly Why?: It s language and physicality are something to behold. Favourite play: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany (adapted for stage by Jack Thorne). Why?: I ve always been a huge fan of the series and I went to a preview performance before the script was released so I was part of one of the first audiences to experience the story. Luke Barry Romeo, Bassanio, Edmund, Kent, Banquo laugh?: Awkwardness makes me laugh. There s nothing better than the silence before a laugh when the audience is a bit confused. Favourite play: The last days of Judas Iscariot by Stephen Adly Guirgis Why?: It s a modern masterpiece. It s funny and in your face but also it s poignant and beautiful. It takes a lot of religious characters and stories and completely subverts them leaving an audience thinking more about the subject matter. Anne Doyle Lady Macbeth, Malcolm, Fleance, Witches, Regan laugh?: Animals- I spend way too much time on the internet looking at cats and dogs doing funny things Favourite play: The Beauty Queen of Leenane by Martin McDonagh Why?: It s simplicity - The words don t need an extravagant set to tell the story, McDonagh creates two fantastically relatable characters and evokes emotion through dialogue alone. Kieran O Leary Antonio, Nerissa, Lancelot, Gloucester laugh?: That s too hard to define. I can t just say that comedy makes me laugh or funny things make me laugh because I may not find funny what others do. It depends on the situation. Favourite play: Hamlet. Why?: The strength of the story, the depth of the characters and the beauty of the words. Once the excess is trimmed off, it is an incredible, timeless piece. Peadar Donohoe Shakespeare Session Understudy laugh?: One liner jokes: Use to work in a fish shop but the job slipped right out of my hands. Favourite play: Hamlet. Why?: I think everyone who thinks seriously about why we are here can relate to the young Dane.

11 useful information Payment BOOKING»»By pre-booking online at www. cyclonerep.com/prebooking-form»»by telephone on (+353) »»By OFFICE HOURS Monday to Friday: 8.45am - 5pm Bookings must be guaranteed by 40% deposit. Full payment is due within 4 weeks of booking & must be received in advance of the performance.»» By Card»» By E-Transfer»» By Cheque (payable to Cyclone Rep) and post to Cyclone Rep, 2nd Floor, Block B, Heritage Business Park, Bessboro Road, Blackrock, Cork. T12 RW2C PRICING»» Standard Student Ticket 15»» Bullying Prevention Session & Choices: Ticket 10»» Teachers, SNAs and Home School Accompanying Adults: Free»» For all Direct-to-School bookings, minimum booking numbers apply WAYS TO SAVE»» October Offer: 2 discount on the standard ticket price for any booking made and paid in full by 20th October 2017.»» Group Discounts available: enquiries to info@cyclonerep.com ACCESSIBILITY Cyclone Rep endeavours to utilize venues that are wheelchair accessible with an adapted WC. Please advise at time of booking if you have any access requirements. VENUE SHOW TIMES REFUNDS & EXCHANGES»»For venue shows we regret that tickets cannot be exchanged or money refunded unless a performance is cancelled by the company. Your statutory rights are not affected.»»for direct-to-school shows, in the unlikely event of a cancellation we will endeavour to reschedule the booking to a suitable date.»»for full Terms & Conditions, see our website.»» Two daily shows (morning and early afternoon). Note that times might vary depending on venue.»» Please note that not all shows are performed at all venues or in all weeks. Please contact our sales department for details on times and shows in your area.

12 Cyclone Rep s 2017/2018 Tour Schedule Date Venue Location Autumn / Winter Season 19th to 27th October, 2017 Shakespeare Sessions Direct-to-School Shows Nationwide 6th & 7th November, 2017 New Garage Theatre Monaghan 8th to 10th November, 2017 Mullingar Arts Centre Westmeath 13th to 17th November, 2017 Everyman Theatre Cork 20th to 22nd November, 2017 Civic Theatre Dublin 23rd & 24th November, 2017 Shakespeare Sessions Direct-to-Shools Shows Dublin 27th & 28th November, 2017 Birr Arts Centre Offaly 29th Nov to 1st Dec, 2017 Shakespeare Sessions Direct-to-Schools Shows Munster spring / summer Season 15th to 19th January, 2018 Lime Tree Theatre & Belltable Arts Centre Limerick 22nd & 23rd January, 2018 Watergate Theatre Kilkenny 25th & 26th January, 2018 Source Arts Centre, Thurles Tipperary 29th January to 2nd February, 2018 Shakespeare Sessions Direct-to-School Shows Nationwide 19th & 20th February, 2018 An Grianan Theatre, Letterkenny Donegal 21st to 23rd February, 2018 Shakespeare Sessions Direct-to-School Shows Northern Ireland 26th February to 1st March, 2018 Helix Theatre Dublin 2nd March, 2018 Shakespeare Sessions Direct-to-School Shows Leinster 5th to 8th March, 2018 Helix Theatre Dublin 9th March, 2018 Shakespeare Sessions Direct-to-School Shows Leinster 12th to 16th March, 2018 Everyman Theatre Cork 20th & 21st March, 2018 Town Hall Theatre Galway 22nd & 23rd March, 2018 Westport Town Hall Theatre Mayo 9th & 10th April, 2018 Hawk s Well Theatre Sligo 12th & 13th April, 2018 Pavillion Theatre, Dun Laoghaire Dublin 16th to 18th April, 2018 Muckross House, Killarney Kerry 19th & 20th April, 2018 Shakespeare Sessions Direct-to-School Shows Munster 23rd of April to 4th May, 2018 Shakespeare Sessions Direct-to-Schools Shows Nationwide info@cyclonerep.com (+353) CycloneRepTheatre