Theatre
BEYOND THE EXPECTATIONS OF SHAKESPEARE
“You were beyond brilliant, and we think Shakespeare would approve. I think that every child’s first introduction to Shakespeare should be like this.”
— PARENT, TORONTO
Nearly Lear
NEW SHOW!
Grades:
5-8, 9-12
Audience Maximum:
300
Price for performance:
$630 + gst
What if the great and tragic story of King Lear was told by the King’s closest companion – his own Fool?
Susanna Hamnett’s Nearly Lear, is seen through the eyes of Lear’s devoted clown, Norris.
The story is not only poignant and tragic, but also mischievous, tender and achingly funny.
Nearly Lear confounds expectations of what a Shakespeare play ‘should’ be and uses exuberant storytelling, music, film and of course Shakespeare’s rich poetic text to take its audience firmly into the heart of this great story.
Susanna Hamnett, is an actor, clown and artist-educator who has worked across England, Europe and Canada. Her passion for Shakespeare and Clown, together with her skill as a performer, make Nearly Lear relevant and inspiring both for students not yet acquainted with Shakespeare as well as for those studying his plays in depth – and for everyone in between!
Susanna Hamnett’s Nearly Lear, is seen through the eyes of Lear’s devoted clown, Norris.
The story is not only poignant and tragic, but also mischievous, tender and achingly funny.
Nearly Lear confounds expectations of what a Shakespeare play ‘should’ be and uses exuberant storytelling, music, film and of course Shakespeare’s rich poetic text to take its audience firmly into the heart of this great story.
Susanna Hamnett, is an actor, clown and artist-educator who has worked across England, Europe and Canada. Her passion for Shakespeare and Clown, together with her skill as a performer, make Nearly Lear relevant and inspiring both for students not yet acquainted with Shakespeare as well as for those studying his plays in depth – and for everyone in between!
Curriculum Focus & Expectations
Themes:
- One-person show, the art of the clown
Character Education:
- Trust, honesty, integrity, fairness, responsibility, empathy
Expectations:
- Understand the use of tone of voice, gestures, and other non-verbal cues to help clarify meaning when describing event and telling stories through drama and dance
- Recognize and name characteristics of drama performances that incorporate various elements of theatre (movement, mime, puppetry, magic, physical comedy)
- Identify performance techniques that have an effect on the audience’s emotions and senses
Tour Availability:
- Limited availability year-round
Technical Requirements:
- Large open area or stage