Shakespeare: A Worldwide Classroom What is it? For the Shakespeare Worldwide Classroom, young people will be encouraged to engage with Shakespeare’s language through a practical exploration of the plays and through experiencing live performance. They also find out about Shakespeare’s relationship with the modern world by researching his connections with role models from their own culture. The project also encourages young people to share their knowledge and passion with other individuals or groups in a younger age range. The project entails four parts: 1. Taking Part - participating practically with Shakespeare 2. Being the Audience – experiencing Shakespeare live 3. Arts Heroes and Heroines – find the Shakespeare connection 4. Arts Apprenticeship – inspiring others with Shakespeare Who is our partner? Theatre Noir, one of the leading professional educational theatre companies in Hong Kong. Mr William Yip, the founder and Artistic Director of Theatre Noir, has had many years of experience in the drama education field. He, together with other qualified tutors, will be the instructor, coordinator and consultant of this programme. Who are the participants? There are a total of two secondary schools and nine primary schools joining the project. One secondary school and three primary schools are re-joining schools. Around 20 students from each school will be directly engaged. What’s the content? Primary Schools: Experiencing and exploring Shakespearean texts and its meanings, the students will be encouraged to be more expressive in the use of the language and to express their ideas in English. Primary school will focus on scenes and excerpts from Shakespeare’s play (which one - tbc). Secondary Schools: Devising, developing, delivering an original play based on Shakespearean works (including: plays and sonnets) with a theme (Macbeth), exploring the idea of the theme from various perspectives. The United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales) SC037733 (Scotland). What is the project timeline? It starts in October 2012 and ends in late March 2013 with a Shakespearean performance involving all student participants. Time Activity 6 Oct 2012 2pm – 5pm Venue: Maryknoll Convent School (Secondary Section) All schools attend a 3 hrs workshop (Engagement) conducted by Theatre Noir. Mid Oct 2012 – Mid Mar 2013 Theatre Noir will conduct 20 workshops (1.5 hrs each) in your school. They will liaise with you on the date and time. Besides the 20 workshops, teachers will need to spend time to rehearse with your students. Nov 2012 – Feb 2013 Students to watch a live play of Shakespeare (if possible) or other drama (Details to-be-confirmed) 21 – 22 March 2013 On-site rehearsal *23 – 24 March 2013 Y-Theatre, Youth Square, Chai Wan Public performance – Each school to perform a 10 – 15 mins play *We will divide 11 schools into 2 groups. 1 group will perform on 23 March and another group will perform on 24 March. 23 March 2013: The 5 Yan Chai’s schools and Maryknoll Convent School (Secondary Section) 24 March 2013: Kwun Tong Government Primary School (Sau Ming Road) CPC Yao Dao Primary School Christian Alliance S Y Yeh Memorial Primary School Maryknoll Convent School (Primary Section) Heep Yunn School What we need from you? Full participation – It is important for you and your students to attend and participate in ALL workshops conducted by Theatre Noir. A co-ordinator – To work with the students on the project and to act as the contact person for British Council and Theatre Noir. Rehearse on your own. Who is responsible for this project in Hong Kong? Karen Cheng, Education Programme Manager [email protected] or 2913 5210 Jennifer Tung, Assistant Manager, Education Programme [email protected] or 2913 5261 Page 2 of 2