Shakespeare Schools Festival 2009

The Bard - could he help keep kids on the straight and narrow?

The largest youth drama festival, Shakespeare Schools Festival, is limbering up for another season.

The ambitious programme, gives young people the opportunity to perform Shakespeare in a professional theatre.

The West Yorkshire Playhouse is the venue for children from schools across Leeds to perform half-hour versions of some of Shakespeare's greatest plays.

The abridgements have been contributed by patrons Sir Tom Stoppard, Sir Arnold Wesker and Jamila Gavin.

Since 2000, the Shakespeare Schools Festival has been using fresh perspectives on the Bard to change the lives of young people.

Partnered, for the first time this year, with the National Theatre and the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain, Shakespeare Schools Festival, is not about creating more actors it's about introducing young people to the universal themes of Shakespeare's texts.

The mentors involved hope that Shakespeare's unique interpretation and language helps the youngsters make sense of their turbulent and often traumatic world.

Special Schools, youth theatre groups, independent schools, pupil referral units, under-achievers, gifted and talented - all work together to create the Festival year on year.

Director and Founder, Chris Grace commented:

"As I travel around the country I never cease to be amazed by the impact the Festival has on the lives of the young people. And any fear or prejudice against Shakespeare in the audience is instantly swept away by the energetic, original interpretations created by the young people and their talented teachers."

"Cultural and class boundaries are bridged, and important bonds created not only between schools but also with the theatres and the wider community."

The initiative is backed by a number of high profile supporters, including actor and playwright Kwame Kwei-Armah:

"I saw young people of all backgrounds and cultures use this poetic and sometimes difficult language almost as if it were a new fangled street slang, fresh and exclusive to them."

Patron of SSF - actor and director Kwame Kwei-Armah

"It was thrilling beyond words. I only hope that every young person finds a way to tap into this, because I believe that, like me, they will never forget the experience."

Teachers with or without experience of directing, and young casts of all and mixed abilities, make a professional contribution in front of family and friends, supported by talented theatre technicians and creatives.

For many young people the Festival is the first time they experience the regard of family members, teachers and peers.

The Leeds schools taking part are:
Royds School Specialist Language College
performing The Taming of the Shrew (5/11/09)

Rodillian School
performing Measure for Measure (4/11/09)

Ralph Thoresby School
performing Macbeth (5/11/09)

Pudsey Grangefield School
performing A Midsummer Night's Dream (3/11/09)

The Grammar School at Leeds
performing Macbeth (4/11/09)

Cockburn College of Arts
performing Romeo & Juliet (6/11/09)

Allerton High - Business & Enterprise Specialist School
performing Hamlet (3/11/09)

Performances take place in the Courtyard Theatre, West Yorkshire Playhouse between Tuesday 3 November and Friday 6 November 2009. Check the Playhouse website for show times and ticket details