Approaching the ‘Classics’
How can directors converse with a play-text?
with
Rebecca Frecknall |
Directing the work of a living writer allows us the possibility for direct access to the playwright. We can ask them questions, dig into their influences and inspirations and learn of the characters’ intentions straight from their creator.
But how do Theatre Directors strike up a similar dialogue with a dead writer- those who have left us this huge body of work we rather scarily label The Classical Canon?
Focusing on her production of Summer and Smoke by Tennessee Williams, in this #JMKSpace event Director Rebecca Frecknall leads an exploration into accessing classic plays, sharing tools of how we as theatre makers can learn to hear and speak to a text and how this in turn can lead to directorial interpretation in production.
This event is now fully booked. 20 spaces were available. There will be a waiting list for participants who wish to join once the workshop has reached capacity. As with all our events, please inform us as soon as possible if you are no longer able to attend.
N.B. You’ll be sent a copy of the script and some short pre-workshop tasks to prepare.
This event is open to director based in the North East of England and Scotland. It takes the place of our directors’ group normally hosted by Northern Stage and Edinburgh Traverse.
The discussion will take place 2pm – 4.30pm on Tuesday 16th June on Zoom, and will be facilitated by Maria Crocker.
To reserve your free place, and receive a Zoom invitation, please email- maria@jmktrust.org
If you have any access requirements, need technical support or have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact maria@jmktrust.org
Rebecca Frecknall is Associate Director at the Almeida Theatre.
For the Almeida, she has directed Three Sisters, Summer and Smoke (also West End and winner of two Olivier Awards including Best Revival) and worked as Associate Director on Ink at the Almeida/Duke of York’s Theatre and Movement Director on Albion. She was previously on the Almeida’s Resident Director programme.
Her production of Steel by Chris Bush ran in the Sheffield Crucible Studio in 2018. Prior to the Almeida, she was Resident Director at Northern Stage from 2015-2016 after winning the acclaimed RTYDS Bursary. During this time she directed Idomeneus; What Are They Like? and Julie by Zinnie Harris. Before taking up this role, she worked as a freelance director in London and has worked with the National Theatre, RSC and Young Vic. She was the 2012 recipient of the National Theatre Studio’s Resident Director Bursary and was awarded one of the Young Vic’s Jerwood Assistant Director Bursaries in 2011.
2pm – 4.30pm on Tuesday 16th June
#JMKSpace on Zoom
FREE
Please support the venues and artists who have made this work if you can. Like the JMK Trust, many are currently dependent on immediate financial support from donors to keep operating.
