Those studying Shakespeare at university/post-graduate level now have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a week of Shakespeare’s plays, lectures, discussions and workshops, devised and delivered by Shakespearean experts in Stratford-upon-Avon, UK, from August 1-7.
A second seminar, ‘Shakespeare and His Stage’, for teachers of English or drama to students in Forms 4, 5 and 6, is being held at the Globe Theatre in London from August 8-14 and gives insights into the crafts involved in creating a production for the Globe Theatre.
The emphasis of the English-Speaking Union scholarship programme in Stratford is on enjoying Shakespeare’s work as well as engaging with it from academic and theatrical points of view.
‘Shakespeare in Stratford’ is offered by the ESU, in association with the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, the charity which cares for the World’s Shakespeare Heritage and promotes the knowledge and appreciation of the great man’s work.
The courses are augmented by classes with members of the Royal Shakespeare Company (including actors and voice coaches) and so bring Shakespeare as ‘text’ and Shakespeare as ‘theatre’ into dialogue with each other.
Delegates are able to explore deeper interpretations of Shakespeare, attend performances including Julius Caesar, The Winter’s Tale and As You Like It, and The Comedy of Errors, discuss theatre with the actors and enjoy workshops that approach Shakespeare in a dynamic and exciting way.
In the second seminar, local teachers of a range of subjects in the Humanities at both secondary and tertiary levels, many of whom are directly involved with the running of the ESU’s overseas networks, will work with Globe Education staff to explore practical approaches to teaching Shakespeare creatively in the classroom.
Delegates will attend three of the Globe’s productions: Henry VIII, Henry IV Part 1 and The Merry Wives of Windsor. Teachers will be asked to familiarise themselves with these plays in advance of the seminar. Delegates will also be asked to bring with them a copy of Romeo and Juliet in their own language.
Both scholarships cover tuition, theatre trips, and accommodation (breakfast included) for the duration of the study course. ESU Malta is also giving each participant a free flight to the UK thanks to a sponsorship from Air Malta. Participants must only ensure they take out adequate health and travel insurance.
The English-Speaking Union of Malta will submit three nominations for each scholarship to these study courses. Applicants should complete and return an application form by not later than 20 April to: Ms Jean Killick, honorary secretary, English-Speaking Union of Malta, Queen’s Court, Sir Adrian Dingli Street, Sliema, or preferably by e-mail to [email protected]
Prospective applicants should state their years of service at teaching Literature/Drama, as well as send a letter of reference. Interviews for short-listed candidates will be held in the afternoon on Tuesday, 4 May, and Wednesday, 5 May.
Candidates approved by ESU Malta will be asked to complete a further application form by 14 May, for submission to the ESU in London. Those going to Stratford will be asked to state in no more than 400 words the benefit they expect to gain from the ESU Shakespeare Study Course at The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, including how the experience would help them in their current work and future prospects.
Those going to the Globe Theatre will be asked to answer two questions: When was Shakespeare first introduced, translated and performed in your country; and when was Romeo and Juliet first translated and first performed in your country? They will also be asked to state in no more than 400 words how they think they would benefit from the ESU Cultural Seminar for Teachers at Shakespeare’s Globe and how the experience would help them in their current work and future ambitions.
Final selection will be made by the ESU in London and successful nominees will be notified directly.