The Shakespeare Sessions - Nov 8th - 10th

Cyclone Theatre presents The Shakespeare Sessions - The Merchant Of Venice, Macbeth, Romeo & Juliet and King Lear.

"The Merchant Session is an abridged version of the play and contains, an entertaining scholarly review that clarifies the main themes and topics as well as an invitation for discussion and interaction. The show is an entertaining and informative synthesis of analysis and performance that has the primary goal of helping Junior Cert learners in their understanding of Merchant of Venice while at the same time highlighting what a fine comedy it is." Themes & Topics analysed or mentioned during the show: Friendship and Loyalty, Merchant of Venice in Nazi Germany, Launcelot’s Conscience, Mercy and Justice, The Role of Religion, The Pound of Flesh, Father and Child Love, Romantic Love, Love Between Friends, Significance of Tubal, Isolation, Money & Wealth, The function of the caskets, Women’s Appearance & Reality, Prejudice. Review from teacher: "I've been teaching twenty years, and I have never seen a better student friendly play. Genius." - Kieran Doyle, County Cork Teacher Review from student: "It was very funny and it helped me learn. I hurt so much from laughing so hard. I loved the way they stopped to explain the important bits and the way they included the audience. It was very funny." - J.H. (Student from Ennistymon CBS, Limerick)

Come and solve the puzzle that is Macbeth! The mystery and magic of The Scottish Play as you’ve never seen it before! Hecate joins the actors analyzing the bards’ goriest play. A riddle is put forth to the students which, once answered, will aid understanding in how to dissect the themes of bloody Macbeth for their exams." Themes & Topics analysed or mentioned during the show: The Source, The Porter’s Speech, Appearance vs. Reality, Conscience/Guilt, Corruption/Ambition, The Theme of Blood, Evil vs. Good, Tropes, Manhood & Kingship, Lady Macbeth’s Motivation, The Role of Women in the Play, The Role of the Supernatural in the Play, Free Will vs. Fate. Review from teacher: "I have seen many productions of Macbeth over the years and I thought this one was brilliant. The reason being that it brought the students into the event. The time passed quickly and we really enjoyed our trip to the theatre." Brendan O'Sullivan, Cork Teacher (Review from our last run of Macbeth in 2014).

"Cyclone Rep presents an updated version of the tale of star-crossed lovers with new cast, new look and new music! In this show Shakespeare comes to life and directs a group of modern actors in his great romantic tragedy. However, problems arise as Mr. Shakespeare’s XVIth century attitudes and demeanour clash with those of the modern performers. Once again Cyclone Rep introduces students to one of Shakespeare’s greatest plays with stunning performances, historical background, discussion of major themes, audience participation and interaction." Themes & Topics analysed or mentioned during the show: The passage of time in Romeo and Juliet, Nature of love, Love as a religious experience, Benvolio’s function, Fate, Love vs. Lust, Conflict, Historical context of the Capulet/Montague feud, Lack of women performers in Elizabethan Theatre, Parental Authority, Storytelling in Shakespeare’s time, Characters & Interpretation. Review from student: "I like how the show was modernised, which made it more relatable and it was easier to follow than the movie version, for example. The play was very well presented in terms of performance, and the music created an appropriate but often lively atmosphere. I really enjoyed the characters, particularly Romeo and the Nurse. It was very easy to follow overall and the little intermissions between scenes helped me to understand why something was happening and its importance." - E.O'S. (Student from Coláiste Mhuire, Askeaton)

"Following your feedback we’ve created a new session version of King Lear. The new version cranks up the humour as the Cyclone Repertory actors explore the motivations of Lear, Kent, Goneril, Regan, Cordelia, Gloucester and Edmund with humour, discussion and arguments that focus on the major themes of the play. And as always, the play is performed faithfully to the text with top notch dramatic performances." Themes & Topics analysed or mentioned during the show: The Natural Order vs. The Unnatural; Filial Ingratitude; Madness; The Divine Right of Kings; The Nature of Man; Power and Responsibility; Families Mirroring Nations; The Parallels of Lear and Gloucester’s Journey; The Political Context of Lear’s Time. Review from student: "The King Lear Reboot is a highly engaging review of King Lear as well as giving students a better understanding of the themes and motives of the characters in the play. A humorous, engaging experience - well worth the money and time." - C.B. (Student from Colaiste an Eachreidh, Galway)

The Shakespeare Sessions plays Mullingar Arts Centre from November 8th - 10th. Booking: 04493-47777/mullingarartscentre.ie