RSC Covid-secure education programme includes free ‘Hamlet’ on demand
Harriet Clifford
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has announced a series of courses and resources aimed at helping students, teachers, and adults explore Shakespeare’s work in a Covid-secure environment, including a free broadcast of ‘Hamlet’.
Manuel Harlan / RSC
From 16 - 23 November, the RSC schools’ broadcast of Hamlet (2016) directed by Simon Godwin with Paapa Essiedu in the title role will be available on demand for schools for free across the UK. A range of supporting resources and film content has also been created to accompany the broadcast. Schools can register online to gain access.
Later in November, the RSC will announce its Tales for Winter season, which is set to be performed live and in-person, with selected performances and supporting resources available on demand throughout the spring term.
On 25 November, the RSC will live stream from Stratford-upon-Avon to share socially distanced drama practice with teachers and youth leaders. Actors and directors will share how they are marking up rehearsal rooms, approaching warm-ups, and resolving staging dilemmas. This forms part of a week-long Connected programme of learning and participation running from 23 - 27 November.
The RSC is also producing a series of films to help students find out more about pursuing a career in the theatre, either on-stage or backstage. Teachers and students are being asked to send in questions to be answered.
The company has developed new courses for its 250 strong Associate Schools Programme, delivered in collaboration with its regional theatre partners across the country.
Director of RSC Education, Jacqui O’Hanlon, said, ‘As young people adjust to new ways of learning and working, we continue to support the UK’s brilliant teacher workforce. We are creating new ways for students, teachers, and adults to explore Shakespeare’s work, find their voices and release their creativity in a Covid-secure environment.
‘We know the arts can play a crucial role in the lives of young people. By working with our partners across the UK, we remain committed to helping teachers and young people to unlock Shakespeare's plays, working with them as living, breathing, evolving texts that everyone can bring their identities and experiences to. In doing so, young people take ownership of these 400 year old plays and discover their relevance to their lives and the world we live in today.’
Keep up to date on Twitter @RSC_Education.