Due to Covid-19 self-isolation rules, we sadly had to postpone Paul O’Mahony’s Artist Masterclass on Fri 16 July. The event has been rescheduled to Thu 23 September 2021 and we have contacted all existing ticket holders for the original date with details of how to transfer their bookings.
Reimagining characters and stories
A masterclass with Paul O’Mahony from Out of Chaos
How can we approach old stories and make them new?
How can we inhabit multiple characters and make each one distinct and fresh?
This workshop will investigate the process of using an existing story or text as the launch pad for creating. The aim is to create work which is generous, surprising and interactive – rooted in existing narratives but making bold and truthful choices to reimagine them in ways which speak to us and our time. We will employ devising, physical approaches and text work based on A Midsummer Night’s Dream. As part of our storytelling we’ll play multiple characters, imagining the story from each of their perspectives.
Paul O’Mahony is an actor, writer, director and producer. He is the artistic director of Out of Chaos whose work has toured extensively throughout the UK, Europe, New Zealand and the USA. With Out of Chaos Paul co-devised/co-wrote Unmythable and Norsesome, and performed in Hippolytus and Macbeth. Most recently Out of Chaos have been performing Greek tragedy online, creating an international ensemble of 100 actors in response to the pandemic. They have also been touring the UK with their telephone play Is Now A Good Time? which opened at Tobacco Factory Theatres in March this year. Paul’s other theatre credits include productions with RSC, ETO and The Orange Tree Theatre. He is an associate director of Actors From The London Stage, a former eminent artist in residence at the University of Wyoming, and teaches Shakespeare and devising for the British American Drama Academy.
Paul’s masterclass is part of an expanding programme at Tobacco Factory Theatres.
Our theatre owes so much to freelance and independent artists, who have created almost everything we’ve presented over the last 20 years. These exceptionally talented and professional colleagues have been confronted with huge challenges through Covid-19, whilst on the whole receiving far less support than venues.
Last year we partnered with The Cube Microplex to distribute hardship grants to local artists with acute financial difficulties, funded by The Gane Trust.
This year, whilst we continue to work on our long-term survival, we aim to support local artists in new and varied ways.
The first initiative is our Masterclasses Programme, designed for South West-based professional artists, and led by a range of inspiring practitioners.
- RUNNING TIME3 hours
- AGE RECOMMENDATION18+
- VENUESpielman Theatre
Thu 23 September 2pm – 5pm
Pay What You Choose – £3, £8 or £12. We understand that everyone is experiencing different financial circumstances. Whatever you feel able to spend, session leaders will be fully paid for their work.
Max 14 participants
Masterclasses are designed for South-West based professional artists.
Masterclasses are first available to book for our Artist Members, who receive a priority booking period.
It is free to become an Artist Member, and you can do so by emailing an introduction of yourself, where you live and your practice to artists@tobaccofactorytheatres.com
If you require captioning or BSL interpretation of the sessions, or have any other access needs, please let us know.
