As part of its Centenary programme, Birmingham Repertory Theatre is mounting a special two-day event at the Old Repertory Theatre in Station Street where the theatre opened in 1913.
Taking place over next weekend, 23-24 March, it will be a fascinating two days devoted to a series of talks and discussions on the REP’s achievements and significant influence on the development of British theatre over the last century.
Station Street to Stratford via Malvern
That is the title for the programme on Saturday which centres on The REP’s founder, Sir Barry Jackson, and his role in theatre development.
It will open with a keynote speech by actor and director John Harrison on his own experience of working with Sir Barry in the 1940s when his professional colleagues included Paul Scofield and Peter Brook, both at Birmingham Repertory Theatre and the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre at Stratford, which Sir Barry also headed in the post war years, giving the company a new and innovative vitality.
John himself became artistic director at Birmingham in the 1960s and will also draw on his experience then.
This will be followed by playwright David Edgar who, with guests, will discuss Sir Barry Jackson’s work in Birmingham, Malvern and Stratford.
After lunch, when those attending will have the opportunity to tour the exhibition to mark this centenary, there will be a showing of the 30-minute documentary The Quiet Pioneer about Sir Barry’s career.
In the presentation that follows, REP 100 curator Gwendolen Whitaker will use selected items from the theatre’s archive to tell the fascinating story of the REP.
Back in 1923, Sir Barry Jackson broke new ground by producing the first Shakespeare in modern dress with his production of Cymbeline. In the final session of the day, the REP’s new artistic director, Roxana Silbert, will explore that production and discuss re-imagining classics with writer Robin French and designers Pamela Howard, Ruari Murchison and Jamie Vartan from that Cymbeline to the REP’s latest production, the sixties-set version of Hedda Gabler retitled Heather Gardner.
Drama Queens
On Sunday, female writers, actors and producers will discuss the role The REP has played in the development of women in theatre over the last century and the role of female managers and producers.
Meera Syal will give the keynote speech, followed by Professor Claire Cochrane, author of books about the REP, who will head an all-female panel to talk about women in theatre and the important role that women have played in The REP’s history. They will include such celebrated writers as Bryony Lavery, Gurpreet Bhatti and Rachel Delahay.
In the afternoon actress and director Janet Suzman will lead an all-female panel of actors, including Lorna Laidlaw, Shelley King and Elizabeth Hopper.
The final presentation of the day will be a discussion on the role of women in theatre today and historically. It will be lead by Roxana Silbert who will be joined by Kate Horton, Gwenda Hughes, Janet Suzman, Vikki Heywood (ex-chief executive of the RSC), Kate Organ (deputy executive of the National Theatre) and Elizabeth Freestone.
There are still some places available. Daily passes are just £5 but are free when booking to see Heather Gardner on either 23 or 24 March. There is also a special offer for those attending at a nearby Chinese Restaurant.