Workshop 1.30 pm - 5.30 pm
Presentation 6.00 pm
Price £15
..."these poems are not about heroes, my subject is war,
and the pity of war; these elegies are to this generation
in no sense consolatory. They may be to the next ...!” Wilfred Owen
This exceptional workshop brings together leading poets, the creative team of Feelgood Theatre Productions and celebrated writers from the 24:7 Theatre Festival to fashion new poetry and text to build a contemporary legacy to commemorate the First World War.
Poetry Workshop - Sunday 27th July, The Lowry - Salford
Feelgood Theatre and 24:7 Theatre Festival
NOT ABOUT HEROES by Stephen MacDonald (FEELGOOD), LOWRY 5TH – 8TH OCTOBER and WAR HORSE by Michael Morpurgo (National Theatre) are both explorations of courage, of humanity, of camaraderie and a moving celebration of intense friendships forged through conflict, poetry and the power of words - plays for today.
Inspired by these incredible pieces of work the workshop will explore an artistic response to war through creative writing exercises that stimulate the imagination and result in work that touches the heart and head.
Encouraged by the work of Wilfred Owen, Siegfried Sassoon, Michael Morpurgo, local writers, in particular the often unheard women’s voice and voices of the Commonwealth, the workshop will culminate in a reading presentation at The Lowry on Sunday 27th July 2014 in the Studio Theatre.
In addition participants will be eligible to enter the Whispers of War poetry competition: an ambitious, nationwide competition to identify and celebrate amateur poets drawn from the Armed services and the civilian community and inspired by the poets of the First World War. Its patron is the international actor Jason Isaacs.
Whispers of War workshops across the country aim to create a unique opportunity for civilians of all ages and the military community (serving, veterans and their families) to work together on a specific project that is relevant and pertinent. By building an explicit link between the experiences of the First World War and our experiences today we hope to build bridges of understanding on the issue of peace and conflict.
This workshop also offers an Inspirational Sharing during the exhilarating 24:7 Theatre Festival on Tuesday 22nd July when veterans and writers will share ideas to stimulate the creative process to contribute to 27th July. www.247theatrefestival.co.uk
Award winning Feelgood Theatre Productions first performed Heroes in November 2005 at The Imperial War Museum North before transferring to the West End. Feelgood’s new production for 2014 begins at Craiglockhart War Hospital, Edinburgh, (the plays setting) then tours to venues across the UK and Europe including the Forrester's House at Ors prior to a West End run.
Both workshop and Inspirational sharing are suitable for those aged 15 and above; amateurs, emerging and professional practitioners.
