About 1623 theatre company
1623 Theatre Company: Bringing Shakespeare to Life for Social Justice
1623 Theatre Company is a unique theatre company that aims to bring the works of William Shakespeare to life while promoting social justice. The company was founded in 2005 by Ben Spiller, who wanted to create a platform for marginalised people to express themselves through the art of theatre.
The name "1623" comes from the year when Shakespeare's First Folio was published, which is considered one of the most important books in English literature. The company believes that Shakespeare's works are still relevant today and can be used as a tool for social change.
1623 Theatre Company has a diverse team of actors, directors, writers and producers who come from different backgrounds and cultures. They work together to create innovative productions that challenge stereotypes and promote inclusivity.
One of the key objectives of 1623 Theatre Company is to make Shakespeare accessible to everyone. They do this by performing in non-traditional venues such as community centres, schools and prisons. They also offer workshops and educational programmes that help people understand Shakespeare's language and themes.
The company has received critical acclaim for its productions, including "Hamlet", "Macbeth" and "Romeo & Juliet". Their performances have been described as powerful, thought-provoking and emotionally charged.
In addition to their theatrical productions, 1623 Theatre Company also runs several community projects that aim to promote social justice. These include working with refugees and asylum seekers, tackling hate crime through drama workshops and supporting young people who are at risk of exclusion from school.
The company has won several awards for its work including the prestigious Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2018. This award recognises exceptional contributions made by volunteer groups across the UK.
If you're looking for an innovative theatre company that uses Shakespeare's works as a tool for social change then look no further than 1623 Theatre Company. With their diverse team of talented artists and their commitment to promoting inclusivity, they are sure to inspire and entertain audiences for years to come.