Shiplake’s drama students were treated to an energetic performance of Splendid Theatre’s adaptation of Christopher Marlowe’s, Dr Faustus in the Tithe Barn last week.
The company have been touring the country since September with their Brechtian twist on the Elizabethan play.
With a minimal set, a political edge, the use of ironic song, and the characters behaving in a ‘hyper physical’ way, it certainly reminded the audience that they were watching a piece of theatre - which is exactly what Brechitan theatre looks and feels like.
Part of the Splendid technique also included involving the audience. The mimicking of audience members as they walked into the theatre, the giving away of props to students who came up to the stage to be dressed up in devils horns, or retrieving the devil’s calling card, and the audience participation when the devil said the word ‘hell’.
The company does this as it gives a modern twist on what is a very old play, keeping the audience engaged and the other actors on their toes. They like to prod and poke the audience to ‘divide and conquer’.
Following the play, actors from Splendid held a workshop with students which involved a question and answer session and them trying out Brechtian acting techniques.
Mrs Emma Farrell, Head of Drama, said: “It was a really action packed and fun day, starting with the play and then workshops running afterwards.
“The pupils were really engaged with the actors and enjoyed learning new acting techniques that they will take away with them for their GCSE and A Level performances.
“Splendid is a fantastic theatre company with extremely talented actors who are exceptional at imparting their knowledge and skills on the students.”
