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WORKSHOPS: TERM 1 HOME SCHOOL: INTRODUCTION TO SHAKESPEARE

21 Feb 2018 | 1.00pm - 1.00pm

Book Tickets

INTRODUCTION TO SHAKESPEARE will give participants an experience of Shakespeare’s As You Like It led by experienced theatre professionals. Explore the characters and context of the play through high energy, physical performance workshops. The program will consist of 5 x 2 hour workshops culminating in a short, ensemble-led performance in the final week.


Term 1: Brief overview by week

Week 1 | Introduction to As You Like It

As You Like It is about the city and the country, about sophisticated socialites and hardy woodsman and, as with all Shakespearian comedies, contains a good dose of mistaken identity and gender play.  An example of Shakespeare’s genre-bending comic styles it has amazing fight scenes, Commedia dell’Arte, fabulous melodrama, song and dance. In week 1 we will meet the characters and scenes that make up this eclectic play.

Week 2 | Theme and Character

We will examine the characters of As You Like It through the songs, dances and fight scenes that populate this play. We will look at Shakespeare’s use of pop culture and stock characters to create an ensemble performance that will be used in week 5.

Week 3 | Scene Work

Participants will continue examining scenes in the play through the text. We will focus on understanding the language and drawing the character out of the language. Students will work in groups to rehearse and present scenes based on this exploration.

Week 4 | Rehearsals

Rehearsals will continue for As You Like It, staging the scenes, detailing the vocal and physical performance work. Small costume and prop elements will be introduced.

Week 5  | Production

We will work towards specificity, focus and finessing our interpretation of As You Like It in preparation for our final performance at the end of this session. We will apply the earlier ensemble work to create interesting scenes with everyone involved supporting each other’s work.


INTRODUCTION TO SHAKESPEARE is presented by Matriark Theatre.

Matriark Theatre is made up of core artists Scott Parker, Kathryn Parker, Aleisa Jelbart, Nicholas O'Regan & Robert den Engelsman. Hailing from backgrounds in design, classical music, puppetry, mask and physical comedy, Matriark exists to create new theatrical works for families blending whimsical puppetry and glorious visuals together with folk tales and physical theatre. The company is committed to connecting diverse audiences with the arts, improving participation and accessibility by working with communities, schools and regional arts centres to develop, premiere and present new works. Matriark is no stranger to Home School at Casula Powerhouse, successfully presenting 2 x terms of Commedia dell’Arte in 2017.

Event Information

LocationCasula Powerhouse
Arts Centre

Duration120 mins

Ages10-14

Cost$100 for 5 sessions
All inclusive


Phone02 8711 7123

Emailreception@casulapowerhouse.com

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