Two Norfolk charities and Norwich Theatre aiming to get more adults into acting
'Feast' has been put together thanks to those from, The Hamlet and Fabba Theatre who supports those with disabilities and other needs, locally
Two Norfolk charities and Norwich Theatre are bringing to life a new Shakespeare-inspired production that aims to get more adults involved in acting.
'Feast', which is being performed on both this Saturday and Sunday, seeks to explore celebration and identity.
It's also looking to bring this type of drama to new audiences and has been put together thanks to The Hamlet and Fabba Theatre who supports those with disabilities and other needs, locally.
Sam Patel is head of creative engagement at Norwich Theatre.
She told us they're breaking down barriers and centring plays around things people really care about:
"We've done some fantastic work with Fabba and The Hamlet. They have been working to create the set for production. We've been able to get people involved in different ways if acting is not for them and they don't want to be on stage, then they are able to take part in different ways".
She went on to say that including as many local people as possible is central to all this:
"It's really, really important for us. They are new groups that we've worked with and we know it's been so difficult for so many groups during the pandemic, so for us to be able to reach out further than Norwich and also to be inclusive and relevant to a broader range of people is really important to the work we do in the engagement team.
We've been able to connect with a whole host of adults which is sometimes tough to do with fears around performing and writing. But we've really been able to connect with them regarding issues that resonate for them, through Shakespeare".
Ms Patel concluded by recalling how one issue kept cropping up in the writers room:
"As with all our groups we start to work with them and explore the themes that are important to them and unsurprisingly that sense of community did come out and people really wanted to come together. It's been a real joy to see the rehearsal room and people in-person sharing that experience".