National Theatre touring production take stage City of Wolverhampton College

Students at City of Wolverhampton College were treated to a live performance from an acclaimed National Theatre touring production at the college's new city centre campus.

The production of Bacchae (Schools' Version) took to the stage for a 75-minutes adaptation of the original National Theatre production by Nima Taleghani on October 20.

It follows the story of Greek god Dionysos as he attempts to bring down his cousin, King Pentheus, and prove his power in the city of Thebes - featuring music, rhythm, dance and a rebellious group of women at the centre of the action, exploring themes of power, identity and rebellion.

An audience of over 100 students enrolled on performing arts and media courses at the college, as well as around 60 pupils from local secondary schools, were given the chance to watch the show on its nine-week tour of England to give young people the opportunity to engage with professional theatre without the cost and complexity of travelling to London.

Benjamin, who plays Tiresias in the production, said: “The show was on at the National Theatre’s mainstage, the Olivier Stage, a year ago, and we're now touring that same show and a slightly adapted version around schools all over the country.

“The idea is to pop up the National Theatre in schools all over the place, in the sort of places that maybe they wouldn't normally get to see a national theatre show, because maybe they're a little bit further away. Maybe where their schools aren't able to take them in person to the National,” said the actor.

Following the performance, college students took part in a workshop led by members of the cast and creative team to give them an insight into working collaboratively and improvising to bring scenes to life on stage.

Emma, who plays ‘Garvie’, said: “I think it's absolutely essential to introduce young people as soon as possible to live performance.

“We discovered during the pandemic how important it was to us as human beings to be sharing the same space. And although storytelling is thriving in this country in many ways through film and TV and gaming, the actual process of being in a theatre, breathing the same air as the actors and all the audience around you.

“I think the thing that keeps us human is being together in the same space and sharing a story.”

The performance at the college was made possible through a partnership with The Grand Theatre Wolverhampton which will also see students benefit from masterclasses with industry professionals, shadowing and work experience opportunities.

Ruth Gavin-Walker, performing arts tutor at the college, said: "We are delighted to have been chosen to host the National Theatre production and that our students will get the chance to experience a world-class performance on their doorstep, as well as work with members of the company and find out about the skills needed for a successful future career."