Patrons, November 2016

Issue 02 / November 2016

T H E R OYA L S H A K E S P E A R E C O M PA N Y IN COLLABORATION WITH INTEL

TEMPEST

T H E

Image of Simon Russell Beale by The Imaginarium Studios & RSC

PATR ONS

WILLIAM

SHAKESPEARE

In association with THE IMAGINARIUM STUDIOS

PRIORITY BOOKING FOR BARBICAN LONDON FOR ARTISTS CIRCLE AND PATRONS ARTISTS CIRCLE PRIORIT Y BOOKING OPENS MONDAY 21 NOVEMBER 10AM ONLINE AND PHONE – 01789 272234 GOLD PATRONS PRIORIT Y BOOKING OPENS MONDAY 21 NOVEMBER 10AM ONLINE AND PHONE – 01789 272283 SILVER PATRONS PRIORIT Y BOOKING OPENS TUESDAY 22 NOVEMBER 10AM ONLINE AND PHONE – 01789 272318 BRONZE PATRONS PRIORIT Y BOOKING OPENS WEDNESDAY 23 NOVEMBER 10AM ONLINE AND PHONE – 01789 403438

Contents

Your new look newsletter

02

A note from Gregory Doran

Page 3

The Tempest

Pages 4 and 5

An interview with Miranda Curtis

Pages 6 and 7

Patrons’ Events Schedule

Pages 8 and 9

In Conversation with Gregory Doran and Antony Sher

Pages 10 and 11

Discover More

Pages 12 and 13

Creative Voice

Pages 14 and 15

Stay in touch

Page 16

– Find out more about the forthcoming transfer to the Barbican, London

– RSC Board Member Miranda Curtis discusses her involvement with the RSC and the importance of philanthropy

– A full calendar of special Patrons’ events including newly scheduled events around The Tempest in London

– Read about a very special Patrons’ event that took place at The Other Place in Stratford-upon-Avon on 14 October 2016

– Highlights of some of the talks, debates and demonstrations taking place in the coming months

– Sarah Ellis, RSC Head of Digital Development, talks about creating The Tempest

A note from Gregory Doran

03

Welcome to Patrons’ News in which we celebrate our final Shakespeare production of 2016, The Tempest and its transfer to London next year.

From the very beginning of our research for The Tempest, Shakespeare’s last play, we set out to understand what inspired this most magical of stories.

It has long been acknowledged that a letter, by William Strachey, describing the shipwreck of the ‘Sea Venture’ off Bermuda in 1609 provided Shakespeare with details for The Tempest. What has apparently gone unnoticed is that a royal ship was launched much closer to home the same month that the Strachey letter arrived in London.

The ship, the ‘Prince Royal’, the most important ship to be built in the entire reign of James I, was dedicated to his son Prince Henry, Prince of Wales. Large crowds turned out to see the ship launch on September 25 1610.

The launch was nearly thwarted by bad weather, with a sudden storm in the River Thames. The ship builder, Phineas Pett, wrote a journal in which he describes the launch and his suspicions that his enemies had summoned up the storm, like the magician Prospero in the play.

I believe these events could have inspired the play and I was delighted when RSC Board member Professor James Shapiro, the eminent Shakespeare scholar and author of 1599, and the recent 1606, agreed that I may have stumbled across a piece of source material unnoticed by editors and scholars.

It is a new piece in the Shakespeare jigsaw, and a significant finding in Shakespeare’s 400th Anniversary year which I am delighted to share with you. It has been an incredible year celebrating Shakespeare, and the continued involvement of you and all our Patrons in the RSC family is very much appreciated. Thank you.

Artistic Director Royal Shakespeare Company

Photo by Jillian Edelstein

Introduction

The Tempest

04

The Tempest William Shakespeare Barbican, London, 30 June - 18 August 2017

In collaboration with Intel and in association with the imaginarium studios

As we open our new production of The Tempest at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon we are delighted to announce that the show will transfer to London in 2017.

In collaboration with Intel and in association with the

imaginarium studios

The RSC Acting Companies are generously supported

by THE GATSBY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION and THE KOVNER FOUNDATION

All photos by Topher McGrillis

On a distant island a man waits.

Robbed of his position, power and wealth, his enemies have left him in isolation.

But this is no ordinary man, and this no ordinary island.

Prospero is a magician, able to control the very elements and bend nature to his will. When a sail appears on the horizon, he reaches out across the ocean to the ship that carries the men who wronged him. Creating a vast magical storm he wrecks the ship and washes his enemies up on the shore. When they wake they find themselves lost on a fantastical island where nothing is as it seems.

Simon Russell Beale returns to the RSC after 20 years to play Prospero in a production using technology never before used on stage, creating an unforgettable theatrical experience.

The Tempest

05

Company Alison Arnopp Laura Cairns Elly Condron Joe Dixon Daniel Easton Caleb Frederick Samantha Hay Sarah Kameela Impey Matthew McPherson Joseph Mydell Oscar Pearce Mark Quartley Jenny Rainsford Darren Raymond Simon Russell Beale Joe Shire Oliver Towse Simon Trinder James Tucker Tom Turner Jennifer Witton

SCHEDULE TUE

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THU

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7.15 F 7.15 Tempest Tempest

7.15 7.15 7.15 7.15 1.30 Tempest Tempest Tempest Tempest Tempest 7.15 Tempest

1.30 Tempest 7.15 Tempest

7

31

5

8

JULY

11

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7.15 7.15 7.15 7.15 1.30 Tempest Tempest Tempest Tempest Tempest 7.15 Tempest

1.30 Tempest 7.15 Tempest

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7.15 7.15 7.15 7.15 1.30 Tempest Tempest Tempest Tempest Tempest 7.15 Tempest

1.30 Tempest 7.15 Tempest

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SAT

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THU

FRI

= First Performance P = Press Night - limited availability L = Last Performance ■ = Audio Described Performance ● = Captioned Performance F

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7.15 7.15 7.15 7.15 1.30 Tempest Tempest Tempest Tempest Tempest 7.15 Tempest

1.30 Tempest 7.15 Tempest

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7.15 7.15 7.15 7.15 1.30 Tempest Tempest Tempest Tempest Tempest 7.15 Tempest

1.30 Tempest 7.15 Tempest

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7.15 7.15 1.30 Tempest Tempest Tempest 7.15 Tempest

7.15 L 1.30 Tempest Tempest 7.15 Tempest

MON

THU

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WED

FRI

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TICKET PRICES £57.50 / £45 / £35 / £25 / £10 A limited number of Premium seats priced at £75 are also available at every performance.

Direction Gregory Doran

AUGUST

10

J U LY

7.15 7.15 7.15 7.00 P 7.15 1.30 Tempest Tempest Tempest Tempest Tempest Tempest 7.15 Tempest

AUGUST

JUNE

MON

Production Design Stephen Brimson Lewis Digital Character Creation The Imaginarium Studios Video Finn Ross Lighting Simon Spencer Music Paul Englishby Sound Jeremy Dunn and Andrew Franks Movement Lucy Cullingford

An interview with Miranda Curtis

06

RSC Board Member Miranda Curtis discusses her involvement with the RSC and the importance of philanthropy

All photos by Gina Print

“In a world of increasing financial challenges and complexities, you have to start looking at the arts and the need to diversify sources of income in a different way� says Miranda Curtis, who is championing The Tempest and spearheading a different way to support productions.

Miranda, an RSC Board member for five years, was named after the character in The Tempest by her mother, a semi-professional actress who played the role as a young woman.

07

“Among the roles she played was Miranda. She always said that she named me Miranda because it was a particularly pretty name but that the character, as she was asked to portray her, was a bit of a wimp. So when the opportunity arose to talk to the RSC about the concept of supporting an individual role, this one - literally and metaphorically - had my name on it. The opportunity to support Jenny Rainsford in the role of Miranda was very exciting and I’m confident that in Gregory’s production Miranda will not be a wimp!”

Miranda recently joined Artistic Director Gregory Doran to see a rehearsal.

“It was a huge privilege to sit in a rehearsal. They were rehearsing the masque so it was great fun to watch the choreography. There is some wonderful music and some fantastic singers, and it was fascinating to see how the actors were beginning to develop their relationships and work with the incredible high-tech elements of the production.

The real privilege of course is to watch a director of Gregory’s calibre pulling an extraordinary production together, to hear the conversations about the motivations of the characters, to listen to Simon Russell Beale talking about his perspective on Prospero and to talk with Jenny about how she’s interpreting Miranda.”

An interview with Miranda Curtis

As a Board Member, Miranda sees the challenges and funding requirements of the RSC and recognises the vital contribution that Patrons make.

“The RSC is a major national icon. The quality of work produced in terms of the Shakespearean canon as well as everything from the Jacobean era through to modern plays that the RSC is commissioning, is outstanding.

The range of work is fantastic and we now have three theatres in which to enjoy it - the great Royal Shakespeare Theatre, the Swan Theatre and The Studio Theatre at The Other Place.

I am also enormously impressed at the focus on outreach, and that so many of the major productions

are recorded for transmission into cinemas around the world, and by the education programme which encourages young people to perform and learn Shakespeare, and understanding the relevance of Shakespeare to young people.”

Miranda describes the Patrons as a wonderful club, where you meet people with a common interest and you get to understand the expertise that goes into the productions, including directing, casting, acting and all the behind-the-scenes work.

“I think that sense of having a relationship is terribly important for Patrons; from the RSC’s point of view it is very valuable to know it has a group of committed supporters. It is about being able to support the work, engage with it and see it and know that you have played a part.

“The really lovely thing about meeting Patrons is to be able to share some perspective as a Board Member and to hear about their personal enthusiasm for the work. It is extraordinary that many Patrons have been coming regularly to the theatre several times a year perhaps for 30 or 40 years. They are incredibly loyal, extremely knowledgeable, very well informed on different productions, and fundamentally committed to continue to support the work of the company.

As a Board Member and supporter I thank everyone who supports the RSC.”

Patrons’ Event Schedule

Date / Time

08

Event

2016 Friday 2 December 6.30pm – 7.15pm

Cymbeline pre-show drinks with the opportunity to meet and hear from Assistant Director, Guy Jones.

Wednesday 7 December 1.15pm

The Tempest understudy, including performance and afternoon tea

2017 Friday 20 January 6.30pm – 7.15pm

Love’s Labour’s Lost pre-show drinks, with insight from a member of the production’s creative team.

Wednesday 1 March 5.15pm – 11.00pm

Director Talk – Snow in Midsummer – pre-show onstage event, includes performance and a post-show nightcap with the Company.

Wednesday 26 April 6.00pm – 10.30pm

Julius Caesar Live From Stratford-upon-Avon pre-show reception and live broadcast.

Wednesday 24 May 6.00pm – 10.30pm

Antony & Cleopatra Live From Stratford-upon-Avon pre-show reception and live broadcast.

Save the date Thursday 15 June

Simon Russell Beale in conversation. A unique opportunity to hear one of Britain’s finest actors discuss his career and role as Prospero in Gregory Doran’s production of The Tempest.

Details of ticket booking will be announced in your January newsletter.

Tuesday 20 June 12.00pm – 5.00pm

Open Understudy Rehearsal Insight – Vice Versa including performance and afternoon tea with the Company.

Wednesday 12 July 6.30pm – 7.15pm

The Tempest pre-show drinks with insight from a member of the production’s creative team.

Saturday 15 July 10.00am – 4.00pm

Showcase Day Further details will be confirmed closer to the time, but the event is now open for booking.

Please note that as a registered charity some of these events are charged to cover costs. All timings for events are also subject to change.

Full details of these events are available online. Please visit your Patrons’ Room, www.rsc.org.uk

For further ticket information please contact Kate Perry, invitation@rsc.org.uk or 01789 403467

Patrons’ Event Schedule

09

Location

Booking Ticket booking opens with Priority Booking excluding*

Patron Level

London Barbican

Tickets: Free with the purchase of a performance ticket.

Contact Kate Perry (see below).*

ALL PATRON LEVELS

Stratford-upon-Avon

Tickets: £20 Tickets bookable online via your Patrons’ Room.

ALL PATRON LEVELS

London Theatre Royal Haymarket

Tickets: Free with the purchase of a performance ticket.

Contact Kate Perry (see below).*

ALL PATRON LEVELS

Stratford-upon-Avon Swan Theatre

Tickets: £55 Tickets bookable online via your Patrons’ Room.

SILVER PATRON

GOLD PATRON

London To be confirmed

Tickets: Invitation only.

GOLD PATRON

ARTIST CIRCLE

London To be confirmed

Tickets: Invitation only.

GOLD PATRON

ARTIST CIRCLE

London To be confirmed

To be confirmed

ALL PATRON LEVELS

Stratford-upon-Avon Swan Theatre

Tickets: £20 Tickets bookable online via your Patrons’ Room.

ALL PATRON LEVELS

London Barbican

Tickets: Free with the purchase of a performance ticket.

Contact Kate Perry (see below).*

ALL PATRON LEVELS

Stratford-upon-Avon The Other Place

Tickets: £40 Tickets are bookable online via your Patrons’ Room.

ALL PATRON LEVELS

All Gold Patrons are invited to join us for the Press Nights in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

All of our Artists Circle Supporters are invited for Press Nights in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Swan Theatre and London. Full details and dates are available on the website in your Patrons’ Room.

ARTIST CIRCLE

In Conversation

10

Over 200 guests were captivated for an hour as Professor Martin White, former lecturer of Gregory’s at Bristol University and a friend to them both, led an engaging discussion on their roles, how they work together and the challenges that came to Antony playing the role of King Lear.

Having met nearly 30 years ago in the 1987 production of The Merchant of Venice, Gregory Doran and Antony Sher have had an extraordinary partnership. They worked together for the first time as Director and Actor in Titus Andronicus. Looking back at Antony’s Falstaff, Willy Loman, and now Lear, this event gave Patrons an opportunity to learn more about their work.

Patrons were encouraged to ask questions in advance and we heard from Gregory and Antony how they work together in the rehearsal room and how they separate work from homelife.

Martin White explored their greatest influences and asked Antony how he prepared for the roles. Antony shared the powerful interactions when he met with two individuals convicted of murder for the role of Macbeth.

The sensitivities and nuances that came from that meeting led the way he performed in the role.

They ended the conversation with a discussion about whether the similarities in King Lear and Death of a Salesman shaped their interpretation in both direction and acting.

Photo by Kwame Lestrade

On Friday 14 October, as part of a programme of special behind-the-scenes events, we were delighted to welcome Patrons to an intimate ‘in conversation event’ with Gregory Doran and Antony Sher in the Studio Theatre at The Other Place.

Photo by Sam Allard

In Conversation with Gregory Doran and Antony Sher

The evening concluded with all guests gathering for a drink to meet and chat with other Patrons and to share their memories of favourite Antony Sher and Gregory Doran productions.

To read the full transcription from the conversation please visit the Patrons’ Room.

In Conversation

Photo by Ellie Kurttz

11

Rehearsals for Death of a Salesman.

King Lear moves to the Barbican for a short run from 10 November to 23 December. If you would like to book tickets please contact Michele or Rosie on 01789 403470 or call the Barbican Box Office directly on 020 7638 8891.

Discover More

Discover More

12 We know Patrons enjoy discovering more about the plays, the creative process and the creative team at the RSC. There are many ways to get closer to our programme including Director Talks, Debates, Unwrapped Events and our Open Understudy Rehearsals. All of these events are public events and can be booked online or through the Box Office.

2016 King Lear’s Subjects Series of talks London

A series of panel discussions that look at King Lear’s most loyal subjects, featuring past and current cast members.

The Fool – 19 November Cordelia – 3 December Kent – 10 December Public Event.

Bookable through the RSC Box Office or online.

Tickets: £8

Photo by Ellie Kurttz

10.30am – 11.30am

Creating The Tempest Series of talks Stratford-upon-Avon

A series of panel discussions based around The Tempest and the collaborative process between creative theatre practice and pioneering digital experimentation.

A 21st Century Masque 3 December Embodying Ariel 10 December Brave New Digital World 17 December 11.00am – 12.15pm Public Event.

Bookable through the RSC Box Office or online.

In collaboration with Intel and in association with The Imaginarium Studios

Photo © Gramafilm

Tickets: £8

Discover More

13

2017 Writer/Director Talks Stratford-upon-Avon

These pre-show, onstage events in Stratford-upon-Avon offer a chance to hear the Director in conversation.

They are a fascinating insight into the creative process.

Unwrapped Events Stratford-upon-Avon

Join the Assistant Director and members of the Acting Company as they demonstrate some of the skills that go into making these productions.

Open Understudy Rehearsals

Wednesday 1 March – Snow in Midsummer Friday 17 March – Julius Caesar Tuesday 21 March – Antony & Cleopatra Tuesday 4 April – The Hypocrite Wednesday 17 May – Vice Versa Wednesday 7 June – Salomé Monday 3 July – Titus Andronicus Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday

18 March – Snow in Midsummer 1 July – Salomé 15 July – Julius Caesar 22 July – Vice Versa 12 August – Antony & Cleopatra

Public Event.

5.15pm - 6.00pm Bookable through the RSC Box Office or online.

Tickets: £5

Public Event.

10.15pm - 11.15am Bookable through the RSC Box Office or online.

Tickets: £5

Tuesday 4 April – Julius Caesar, 1.15pm Wednesday 12 April – Antony & Cleopatra, 1.15pm Tuesday 20 June – Vice Versa, 1.30pm Friday 30 June – Salomé, 1.30pm Friday 14 July – Titus Andronicus, 1.15pm

Public Event.

Public Event.

Stay on after the show for a free discussion with members of the Acting Company.

Tuesday 21 March – Snow in Midsummer (BSL) Tuesday 11 April – The Hypocrite Wednesday 3 May – Antony & Cleopatra Wednesday 31 May – Julius Caesar Thursday 6 July – Vice Versa Tuesday 18 July – Salomé Monday 24 July – Titus Andronicus Monday 14 August – Julius Caesar (BSL)

Shakespeare’s Rome

Saturday 29 April – Julius Caesar

Public Event.

Thursday 20 July – Titus Andronicus with Blanche McIntyre

5.00pm - 6.15pm

Stratford-upon-Avon

Our new Open Understudy Rehearsals are not formal performances. Dates are as follows and tickets will go on sale two weeks before each event.

Post-Show Talks Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon

A series of debates at The Other Place exploring the power dynamics of Rome as depicted by Shakespeare, through the lens of modern society. The panels will include directors and lead actors from the season, chaired by Angus Jackson, Rome Season Director.

Friday 4 August – Antony & Cleopatra with Iqbal Khan

Bookable through the RSC Box Office or online.

Tickets: £10

Tickets: Free, with a performance ticket.

Bookable through the RSC Box Office or online.

Tickets: £8

Creative Voice

14

We spoke to Sarah Ellis, RSC Head of Digital Engagement, about creating The Tempest

Tell us a little about what you do at the RSC I’m Head of Digital Development at the RSC and as part of my role I create new artistic digital initiatives and partnerships. I also have responsibilities for digital activity throughout the company.

Photo © The Imaginarium Studios

What’s new about this production of The Tempest and the technology being used and what’s the aim?

In the 400th anniversary year we are bringing the character of Ariel to life as an avatar on our stage. To do this, we are working with performance capture technology which to date has mostly been used in film production and games. We are working in collaboration with Intel and in association with The Imaginarium Studios to create this experience on our stage.

The aim is to explore how we can bring a character like Ariel alive in our space in a digital way working with stagecraft, new technologies and performance. It’s an alchemy of sorts and is drawing upon all our expertise to create a character who we believe in on stage.

In collaboration with Intel and in association with The Imaginarium Studios

How does it work?

Ariel will be performed in real time: Mark Quartley will wear sensors inside his costume live on stage and, when he moves, these sensors will go into a games engine to create digital images of the character that will be projected on surfaces across the stage and around the theatre.

Creative Voice

15

How did the idea come to life?

This collaboration has been two years in the making; in that time, the technology has changed so quickly we are able to do things which have exceeded our expectations at the beginning of the project. The inspiration for the collaboration was Gregory Doran’s creative challenge of what does a 21st century masque look like and responding to that particular scene in The Tempest. This has allowed us to bring together an exceptional mix of ideas and partners.

How have the actors responded?

Rehearsals have gone really well. We had a series of technical research and development workshops in the summer and that’s helped Mark get to know Ariel.

Can we look forward to more of this kind of technology in future shows?

This is definitely an emergent technology for theatre and live events. We’ve managed to push it forward and make it work for a production today. However,

Photo © Gramafilm

What can audiences look forward to?

It’s going to be a brilliant theatrical experience! At the heart of this production is the text, and the technologies and decisions have come through the theatrical process and the wonders of what the RSC delivers to its audiences.

theatre has always had a relationship with technology and what’s interesting is when ‘technology’ simply becomes part of our everyday lives. For example, candlelight was a technology in Shakespeare’s time and the printing press was a cutting edge technology of its day.

What are the challenges of bringing the production to a very different stage at the Barbican?

The spaces are completely different and we need to create an experience which works in both. The move to London gives us an opportunity to explore and play with the production.

The Tempest is 400 years old.

What do you think Shakespeare would make of this production?

Shakespeare was progressive so I think he would approve of our

interpretation of his ideas and I’m sure our audiences are going to enjoy the production.

What has been your most memorable moment working on the project?

Making Ariel fly and seeing the creative and technical teams get excited when it worked.

You were recently nominated for an award – can you tell us a bit more about that?

I’ve just won the Creative Industries Council and Hospital Club award for cross industry collaboration. It’s a huge privilege to be nominated and then win a category with such brilliant people who are pushing boundaries in their industries.

Learn more at www.rsc.org.uk/tempest

Stay In Touch

16

Thank you for your feedback “...Like Bernadette Newman, I am a Bronze Patron but can not match her 50 years watching the RSC. 2017 is my 30th anniversary, but my first visit to Stratford-upon-Avon was in 1964.

I came with my uncle, who gave me a love of history and Shakespeare, which will never leave me. That love for the Bard was sorely tested by the poor teaching of Shakespeare at my Grammar School. My first experience of the RSC was in 1987 seeing Bill Alexander’s Twelfth Night with Antony Sher and Harriet Walter in the cast.

‘This is something special’ I thought, and have thought that ever since.

Other extra-special performances that I will not forget: David Thacker’s Two Gentlemen of Verona; Michael Sheen as Henry V; Jonjo O’Neill’s Richard III; Rupert Goold’s Las Vegas

Elizabeth Dixon, Silver Patron responded to the new format for the Patrons’ News.

Photo by Ellie Kurttz

David Hargreaves, Bronze Patron, responded to Bernadette Newman’s letter.

“...Well done on the new Patrons News...It’s a good size to hold, a good thickness for the paper and most importantly a good size font, colour, design

The Merchant of Venice; Antony Sher’s Falstaff; and the best by a long way, Gregory Doran’s Hamlet with David Tennant as the Prince.

I became a member of the Shakespeare Circle from the beginning and was proud to be of some help. Not nearly as proud as when I received my Bronze Patron lapel badge.

Living about 130 miles north of Stratford-upon-Avon I cannot get there as often as I would like. To be told that I should feel part of the RSC is one of the best things anyone could say to me. I love the RSC and will support it until I have ‘...shuffled off this mortal coil...’.

Having been through old diaries, my September 2016 visit to Stratford-upon-Avon will be my 52nd.

Continue all the great things you do. Bless you all.” and layout which will suit some of the readers who may have additional needs...So a big tick from me and thank you.”

We would love to hear from you.

Thank you to those who have been in touch about the new format for Patrons’ News, Bernadette Newman’s 50 Years of Shakespeare, and the new season. Please keep in touch so we can include your feedback and comments in future issues.

Get in touch Pete, Rosie and Michele at the Queen’s Patrons’ lunch.

Individual Giving Team: Pete Warman, Michele Cottiss and Rosie Kew Tel: 01789 403470 Email: patron@rsc.org.uk