Raising The Bar(d): Bringing Shakespeare Down To Eye Level

Stuart Devenie

Weekend of 27th & 28th of Feb 10:00am - 4:00pm (Includes a lunch break)

Imagine, if you will, a time of waves of viral infections preventing large community gatherings; a time of the emergence of a novel mass medium, spreading conspiracy theories; the constant threat of terrorism, population migration, economic upheaval, state surveillance and “The Crown”. This was Shakespeare’s time. We will enter this strange and unfamiliar time as we develop the practical skills required to understand, present and enjoy his work.

We will explore the shifting relationship between the performers and the audience. We will also investigate the important difference between “role” and “character" which will give the participants a simple schema to reveal the world of the play and characters’ place within it. We will also encounter Shakespeare’s wicked, wicked sense of humour.

Stuart Devenie, a New Zealand Arts Laureate, has worked professionally in theatre, radio, television and film in Aotearoa since 1972 as a director, actor and teacher. As well as experience in the general fields of acting for stage and screen, he is a specialist in the teaching of performance of Shakespeare.

Responsible for training practitioners across the media for many decades, developing Performing Arts curricula and syllabuses, Stuart has a special passion for teaching many of the crafts and skills of theatre. He is a Licentiate of Trinity College, London in voice and speech; has a Diploma in Adult Teaching; and received an MNZM for services to theatre.