Students take part in Stratford to Stratford project
LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 27: Canal & River Trust launches pioneering new youth arts project which this week sees 30 students from east London rehearse a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream while travelling in narrow-boats to Shakespeare's birth-place, Stratford-Upon-Avon on June 27, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images for Canal & River Trust) - Credit: Getty Images for Canal & River Trust
Performing arts and media students have embarked on an eight day canal journey from their school in Stratford to Stratford-upon-Avon.
Students from Chobham Academy in Cheering Lane travelled through central London and up the Grand Union Canal before arriving at Shakespeare’s birth-place.
During the visit, the students will perform A Midsummer Night’s Dream at The Dell Open Air Theatre on Saturday and at the Stratford River Festival on Sunday.
Working with The Rubbish Shakespeare Company and Chobham Academy, the project combines the Canal & River Trust’s successful Arts on the Waterways programme, through which the charity aims to help young people develop new skills, boost their confidence and introduce them to canals.
Tim Eastop, Executive Producer of Arts on the Waterways, said: “Our programme is all about inspiring new audiences and talented artists.
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“We want people to look at the waterways in a new light – we believe that this journey through Shakespeare’s words and the canals could be life-changing for these students, taking them into shifting settings that can creatively influence their perspectives and aspirations.”
David Bradley, an Associate RSC actor best known for his roles in the Harry Potter films and US series Game of Thrones, is supporting the project.
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He said: “I have been a lover of our canal network for many years and even lived on a boat in my early acting days so I know the waterways are bursting with inspiration and stories.
“This project is a really exciting way to develop young people and teach them the magic of Shakespeare, while experiencing the beautiful heritage and wildlife of the canals.
“They will learn many skills which they can use in the future and I hope they will also inspire others in their generation.”
