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Dolman Theatre, Newport, South Wales Host Newport's Premier Shakespeare Festival Macbeth A Midsummer Nights Dream Much Ado About Nothing 12 - 24 July 2004 An exciting project has been brewing at the Dolman Theatre ready for this summer, 9 professional actors from across the UK have been drawn to Newport to take part in what is going to be a feast of Shakespeare. The hard task has not fazed the enthusiastic nine who are learning three complete plays and not only that but are playing multiple roles. The Festival is one of the first exciting projects that will be hitting the Dolman Theatre over the next year and the Shakespeare Festival is set to be an annual event. Andrea Bowler, the new theatre manager explains "My role at the theatre is to develop this exciting and well loved venue, this summer sees the first major production project. We have been very well supported by local hotels and families who have hosted the 9 actors free of charge (namely: Priory Hotel - Caerleon, Manor Hotel - Newport and Newport Lodge). No one taking part is getting paid and therefore members of the theatre have been kind enough to provide lunches. This project is fantastic and our team are dedicated to producing the highest quality performances and workshops". All the performances are taking place in the Dolman Theatre's Studio to create an intimate atmosphere so you will feel completely part of the production. To enhance the festival each play is being produced in a different style; from A Midsummer Nights Dream set in Athens, to a traditional and period Macbeth, to an English Country Garden for Much Ado About Nothing. "I wanted to set Macbeth in Shakespeare's contemporary style and period. This traditional version of Macbeth is performed with energy and vitality by a young and enthusiastic cast of professionals. Macbeth is a feat of dramatic genius compelling, as it does, the audience to sympathize with a cold-blooded murderer." Drew Baker, Macbeth director. "When I approached this play I was very concerned about creating a dangerous world for all these characters to exist in. I believe that the best comedy comes from dangerous situations and high stakes and we strived to bring that element to the forefront of this production", Niall Costigan, A Midsummer Nights Dream director. Workshops are being run along side all of the productions, with youth workshops: creating their own version of the Shakespeare Classic, following each youth workshop will be a performance for family, friends and general public. Also an Actors workshop and Directors workshop covering tackling Shakespeare. "This is a challenge and a great project" states Chris Morgan, Technical Manager, "each production has their own technical requirements which are very different, these will have to be changed daily for each production". And its not only the human element that is taking part, Jake the theatre managers dog, recently arrived from quarantine in Spain has also been brought in to the project. "Jake is our mascot, he has made us all feel at home in Newport, its only fitting that he is taking part." Rosalind Davidson, actor. Jake's acting debut will be in A Midsummer Nights Dream. The festival is drawing interest not only from Newport and surrounding areas but also from across the UK. Needless to say everyone taking part in the Festival are enjoying the whole process, and looking forward to the start of the performances on 12 July. Specialised schools and group performances can be arranged prior to this date. For complete Festival information please contact Andrea Bowler Tel: 01633 263670 or andrea.bowler@btinternet.com All press enquiries via Andrea Bowler, interviews can be arranged. Performances Monday 12 July 7.30pm Midsummer Nights Dream Tickets £5.00 Tuesday 13 July 7.30pm Macbeth Tickets £5.00 Wednesday 14 July 7.30pm Much Ado About Nothing Tickets £5.00 Thursday 15 July 7.30pm Midsummer Nights Dream Tickets £5.00 Friday 16 July 7.30pm Macbeth Tickets £5.00 Saturday 17 July 7.30pm Much Ado About Nothing Tickets £5.00 Monday 19 July 7.30pm Macbeth Tickets £5.00 Tuesday 20 July 7.30pm Midsummer Nights Dream Tickets £5.00 Wednesday 21 July 7.30pm Macbeth Tickets £5.00 Thursday 22 July 7.30pm Much Ado About Nothing Tickets £5.00 Workshops Saturday 17 July Much Ado About Nothing Youth Workshop (under 18) 9.30—14.00 Tickets for Workshop £10.00 Fun workshop on performing Shakespeare, culminating in a performance. The price of the workshop includes a free ticket to see this evenings performance. Youth Performance 14.30 Tickets £2.00 Opportunity for parents, friends and family to see the youth performing. Monday 19 July Macbeth Youth Workshop (under 18) 9.30—14.00 Tickets for Workshop £10.00 Fun workshop on performing Shakespeare, culminating in a performance. The price of the workshop includes a free ticket to see this evenings performance. Youth Performance 14.30 Tickets £2.00 Opportunity for parents, friends and family to see the youth performing Tuesday 20 July Midsummer Nights Dream Youth Workshop (under 18) 9.30—14.00 Tickets for Workshop £10.00 Fun workshop on performing Shakespeare, culminating in a performance. The price of the workshop includes a free ticket to see this evenings performance. Youth Performance 14.30 Tickets £2.00 Opportunity for parents, friends and family to see the youth performing Wednesday 21 July Actors Workshop (+18) Performing Shakespeare Tickets £8.00 Thursday 22 July Directors Workshop Tackling Shakespeare Tickets £8.00 |
| Dolman Theatre, 01633 263670 web site: |
| Andrea Bowler e-mail: |
Sunday, June 20, 2004 |
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