As part of the Shakespeare Lives programme of events we are organising to mark the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death in 1616, in collaboration with the British Embassy, the Athens Concert Hall and the National Theatre of Northern Greece, we have invited award-winning director and University College London (UCL) Creative Entrepreneur in Residence Gregory Thompson to deliver a lecture in Thessaloniki and Athens.
Times change but Shakespeare remains
Taking performances of Shakespeare plays in the rain forest of the Caribbean, in the church where the great playwright is buried, in Karachi, in Kathmandu and in Royal Shakespeare Company productions as his points of reference, Thompson will explore how when a play was written, when it is set and when the production is staged all interrelate. He will also examine how this interrelation affects and speaks to the hearts of audiences today, a time when Shakespeare is as pertinent as ever and his work continues to be staged in theatres around the world.
Admission is free.
About Gregory Thompson
Gregory Thompson is University College London (UCL) Creative Entrepreneur in Residence and an award-winning theatre director creating productions that combine ensemble performances with innovative stagings and actor-audience relationships. He has directed for the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Young Vic among others in the UK, and his own company AandBC has performed Shakespeare all over world. At UCL he matches scientists with performing artists to enhance, extend and disrupt academic activities to yield deeper or more surprising research outcomes, and applies creative and collaborative practices to enterprise activities.
Thessaloniki
| When | Sunday 28 February 2016, 12.00 |
| Where | Theatre of the Society for Macedonian Studies 2 Ethnikis Amynis Street 546 21 Thessaloniki |
Athens
| When | Monday 29 February 2016, 19.00 |
| Where | Megaron – The Athens Concert Hall Vas. Sofias Avenue & Kokkali Street 115 21 Athens |
Recorded lecture
A video recording of Gregory Thompson's lecture is now available to watch online.
Further information
| Thessaloniki | Chrysoula.Melidou@britishcouncil.gr & 2310 378 314 |
| Athens | www.megaron.gr & 210 728 2333 |