Four artistic heavyweights hosted a three-day workshop with students from Suffolk New College.
Neil Bartlett (who has directed at the National Theatre), Joyce Henderson (who had roles in The Queen and About a Boy), Annabelle Arden (co-founder of Théâtre de Complicite) and Helen Chadwick (songwriter, singer and composer) came along to the educational establishment to give a performing arts masterclass to local theatrical stars of the future.
The group are collectively known as the Iphigenia Project, and they are looking to create a production of the Greek play (Iphigenia by Euripides) in the future.
They are visiting places across Suffolk to help kickstart their vision, whilst also potentially spotting cast members.
And thanks to a link-up with Sizewell Creative, who funded the visit, learners from the college were given this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of working with some of the theatrical greats.
Jazzy Abel, 17, from Ipswich, is on a performing arts level three course at Suffolk New College. Jazzy said, “It’s been a lot of fun to work with acclaimed directors. It has been interesting. They created a space where we felt comfortable.”
Blake Williams, 18, from Colchester, is on the same course as Jazzy. He said: “I found it very interesting. It’s been a brilliant time. It has helped us as young performers.”
Neil Bartlett OBE, a playwright and author who once read the entirety of Oscar Wilde’s De Profundis in Reading Gaol – in eyeshot of the cell where Wilde was housed after being sent to prison for ‘gross indecency’ – said: “There are some really good people in this group so who knows (where their futures will end up). The college seems really alive, and the students seem switched on. The atmosphere here is welcoming and respectful, and I would come back here in a shot.”
Annabel Arden is a theatre director. She said: “They have been a very good bunch and they have been incredibly important in helping our mission of creating this ambitious new work (of Iphigenia). If we see any local talent, they will potentially get in the play. In three days with these wonderful students, we realise that our vision to create this production is possible.”
In terms of the college, she said: “It’s very switched on and alive.”
Kelly Fletcher is a performing arts lecturer at Suffolk New College. She said, “This has given the students a different perspective and different techniques. It’s a privilege to work with these super-talented creative practitioners. Big thanks to Sizewell Creative for supporting this project.”
Ros Parker from SizewellCreative said: “’When these wonderful practitioners talked to me about the Iphigenia they wanted to develop with young people, I immediately thought of SNC. In my experience, the students are open, engaged, and pick up new ideas and material incredibly fast. I was delighted that SizewellCreative was able to facilitate this development experience. Being the link between professionals and young people is part of what we’re all about.”
Hear more about the visit below