Details

The performance will present the history plays in succession over a single weekend, interspersed with ambitious re-enactments of the wars and other Living History activities, bringing the historical setting to life: costumed re-enactors, music, dance, crafts and talks will provide an immersive medieval experience for this exciting and entertaining educational event. The aim of this production is to promote learning through the engagement of theatre with heritage: bringing together the different skills of actors and re-enactors, and people working professionally in both the theatre and heritage sectors, combining them to create an impressive event that showcases the period of history and the plays of Shakespeare. The audience who come to the event will have the chance to see Shakespeare's plays in a historical setting, presented in a new and stimulating way. Through a range of activities including seminars led by staff at the University of Exeter, theatrical workshops run by theatre professionals and postgraduate students of Drama, and talks held by staff at Buckland Abbey, the young people involved in the production will be given opportunities to develop theatrical skills as well as knowledge of medieval life and Elizabethan literary and dramatic heritage. The Wars of the Roses project is led by student and recent graduate volunteers from in and around Exeter and based at The University of Exeter Drama Department. The project stages Shakespeare's entire medieval history cycle in a two-day festival of theatre and heritage. The National Trust's Buckland Abbey, 10.30am-5.30pm. Day One: The Rise of the House of Lancaster: Richard II - Henry V. Day Two: The Wars of the Roses: 1 Henry VI - Richard III. Sections performed at intervals throughout the day, with battle re-enactments and medieval Living History activities.

Creatives/Company

Company: Elysium Theatre Company