Harlow’s longest-established drama group is starting its forthcoming season with a brand new approach – and is prepared to get in a real mess in the process!
Instead of a staged production for November, Moot House Players is planning a programme of participative theatre at Moot Hall, The Stow. This will involve the mucky business of mask and puppet construction - and those taking part are advised to wear suitable old clothes.
Construction will be followed by participants moving on to work with their own designs. Refreshments will be available at all events.
The programme gets under way on Sunday November 2 with the practical construction under the direction of Players’ leading set designer Paul Regeli.
MHP newly-elected chairman Geoff Leeds said: “Paul is a very experienced teacher and theatre designer with a wealth of experience in masking and using practical masks and puppets for performance.
“This is an unrivalled opportunity to share and learn and to gain ideas for performance and production.
“The workshop is ideal for actors, designers and directors who wish to expand their performance and presentation skills through the medium of mask.”
The workshop runs from 2pm-6pm on the Sunday, continuing in to Monday November 3 at 8pm-10.30pm with Movement with Masks, an opportunity to apply performance to the masks created the previous day.
The workshop is open to anyone over 16 and costs £12 (concessions £9).
Tuesday (November 4, 8pm-10.30pm) features Masks and Movement with Henrietta and Michael Branwell. Widely known for their work with dance and movement, principally with Harlow Ballet, the couple offer another view of working with masks in a workshop designed for adult participants. This session costs £6 (concessions £4).
Henrietta said: “We are hoping to base the workshop on the work of Vaughan Williams whose Job - A Masque for Dancing will be remembered by lots of balletomanes from
50 years ago and gives us something to work from.
“We have lots of ideas of ways to help participants discover the change wearing a mask makes to the way they move and react to others, similarly disguised.
“Masques in the early 19th century were a popular form of public entertainment and many people went to them disguised and, thus, able to be their natural selves,
rather than the artificial people that society expected. All this, and more,
in an enjoyable evening of fun, with a serious side!”
Friday (Nov 7, 8pm-10.30pm) features a class of exercises and improvisation designed to sharpen spatial awareness in performance situations. Cost is £5 (concessions £3).
On the Saturday (Nov 8) the Players plan an evening of participative entertainment at Moot Hall with readings, sketches, music and theatre games. Non members are welcome – admission costs £3 - and there will be access to the Moot House bar. Geoff Leeds added: “Performing skills are not essential. A willingness to have a good night out is!”
Next Seasons Dates
5th – 7th February 2009
Ali BaBa
Directed by Bett Hewlett
19th – 21st March 2009
An Inspector Calls
Directed by Tony Edwards
14th – 16th May 2009
Lysistrata
Directed by Rosie Casell
9th – 11th July 2009
Fathers Day
Directed by Claire Quley
Welcome to H.A.T (Harlow Amateur Theatre)
Click here for more information of Amateur Dramatics for Harlow and the surrounding areas