The Barn Theatre, who are based in Chichester, have announced the second season of their digital theatre series: Bard From The Barn, which is in collaboration with Aaron Sidwell. The series reimagines William Shakespeare’s work in a modern-day setting; including Beatrice and Benedick bantering over a Zoom call, Hamlet gazing out his window while trapped at home, and Prospero as an ill mother, achingly aware of time. It offers an original and fresh look at some of the Bard’s greatest characters and speeches.
Aaron Sidwell, the co-producer, described his initial motivation: “Just as Shakespeare was locked out from his theatres during various plague outbreaks, the Barn’s actors are in a similar predicament.
“Now, literally barred from our places of work, the actors of The Barn Theatre present some of Shakespeare’s most memorable speeches and moments via the wonders of modern technology. This is Shakespeare’s work inspired and influenced by our strange new lockdown world.”
Commenting on the public response to the first season of the project, Sidwell said: “The response to Bard From The Barn has been so incredible that we’ve decided we’re not going to stop there. With ours second series, Bard From The Barn has become a global creative process with actors joining us from as far as Australia, to work with thirty-five third-year drama school students.”
Bard From The Barn will now see these students – from institutions including ALRA North, Bristol Old Vic, East 15 Acting School, Italia Conti, Rose Bruford College and the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama – join the series. This will provide graduates with their first step into the working world and creative industries, after their courses and showcases have been cut short due to the Coronavirus outbreak.
The project’s Artistic Director, Iwan Lewis, said: “This series is the epitome of what The Barn Theatre stands for- to bring theatre to new audiences in a fresh, exciting and innovative way. I’m particularly pleased that we are able to create an opportunity for emerging drama school graduates to work with the UK’s leading directors and performers.”
Actors joining the series include Natasha Barnes of Funny Girl and Falsettos, Nathan Amzi of Heathers and Mark Peachey of Dear Evan Hansen.
The series is inspired by The Barn Theatre’s previous re-imagining of Shakespeare’s Henry V, starring Aaron Sidwell in the titular role. Described by the Telegraph as a “populist Hal for a post-Brexit world”, this production is available on the Barn Theatre’s YouTube channel and Facebook page to raise funds for the theatre.
The series, which is co-produced by Hal Chambers, Aaron Sidwell and The Barn Theatre, airs on the Barn Theatre’s Facebook, YouTube and Instagram channels every weekday at 5pm weekdays.
Words by Abigail Howe.