As part of The Other Place collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), University of Birmingham students are being given access to RSC actors and experts, and have opportunities to attend performances in Stratford-upon-Avon.
In October 2015, some of our undergraduate English Literature and Drama students were able to attend a performance of Henry V at the RSC, hear a talk about the play from our Shakespeare Institute academics and attend a Q and A with the show’s actors and director.
They have been reflecting on some of the ways that the experience has enhanced their studies:
“[This will] enhance any further studies I have that link to Shakespeare. As a Joint Honours student in English and Drama both the academic talk and the Q and A were really helpful.”
“As a first year, I am now fitted with the tools to approach Shakespeare differently. I had never witnessed one of his history plays before and now understand on another level the use of comedy within the play. I am now able to approach my learning differently.”
“[I enjoyed] the chance to talk to different students in other years and modules but also different academics who all also share a passion for the subject.”
“As a first year [this visit] has caused me to strongly consider Shakespeare modules in upcoming years.”
“Being introduced to another of the libraries I'm allowed to use and the extra resources available to me as an undergraduate at UoB was particularly useful.”
There will be more opportunities for students to undertake similar visits in the New Year, with trips to Dr Faustus, A Midsummer Night's Dream and Hamlet already planned. For more information on undergraduate study opportunities, visit our Study page.