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‘Shakespeare and me’ is the theme of our 2013 Literary Festival (24-28 June). Students will encounter Shakespeare through storytelling, playwriting and puppetry workshops, live performances, lectures from top academics and a host of other events.

This year we're delighted to announce that three of our events will be open to the community too. We look forward to welcoming you to our festival.

 

As You Like It - FREE outdoor performance

Wednesday 26 June, 7.30-10pm

Join us for a FREE outdoor performance of one of Shakespeare's most popular plays by the award-winning Illyria Productions.

Illyria Productions will recreate the feel of a travelling company of the early 17th century to bring Shakespeare's rollicking tale of love magically to life for all the family. 

As You Like It is Shakespeare's ultimate romantic comedy, featuring one of his most famous and often quoted speeches: "All the world's a stage". Four people find their perfect soulmates in the Forest of Arden. But pitted against political intrigue, multiple disguises and overwhelming cynicism, can even love win through in the end?

Illyria will perform Shakespeare's play with only a handful of props and no scenery, and with only five actors. But they are renowned for the refreshing originality of their productions and their outstandingly enjoyable theatre.

Performance approx 2hrs 30mins (inc. 20min interval). Suitable for all ages. Please bring your own seating/rug, picnic and warm clothes. Food and drink will also be available to purchase.

This is a FREE event. To be sure of a place, get your free ticket from Rye Books, 45 Upland Road, London, SE22 9EF. Limited number of tickets available. See below for Rye Books opening hours.

 

An evening with Dame Harriet Walter

Thursday 27 June, 6.30pm.

Renowned actress Dame Harriet Walter will talk about her career, including her work as a classical actress which has taken her from the RSC to Broadway, at this special public event to mark our Shakespeare and Me festival. Explaining the processes she goes through to bring Shakespeare's characters to life, she will also touch on the issues facing women in the media, all seen through her vast experience. Don’t miss this chance to listen to one of Britain’s most respected stage, TV and film actresses. Tickets £3, available from Rye Books (see details below).

 

Shakespeare in Company - lecture

Friday 28 June, 6.30pm

Join us for an engaging lecture by leading Shakespeare expert Dr Bart Van Es from the University of Oxford. Dr van Es will explain how Shakespeare’s artistic development was influenced by working conditions in the theatre at the time. Charting a series of changes in the theatre from 1592-1614, this lecture will reveal an original picture of Shakespeare as a theatrical collaborator, investor, poet and performer. The lecture is based on Dr van Es’ groundbreaking study, Shakespeare in Company. Tickets £3, available from Rye Books (see details below). Read a BBC article about Dr van Es' work: "Shakespeare first great writer entrepreneur".

 

Tickets...

Tickets for our ticketed events are available from Rye Books, 45 Upland Road, London SE22 9EF, from Monday 13 May. Tel 0203 581 1850. shop@ryebooks.co.uk. www.ryebooks.co.uk. Open Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri/Sat 10am-6pm and Weds/Sun/Bank Holidays 1pm-6pm.