Shakespeare's ‘Othello’ is a complicated play with a lot of adult material like domestic violence, racism, ageism and especially Othello’s emotional rollercoaster makes this play both challenging and appealing to TARA’s youth theatre group. ArtsBeat had to understand the text and then perform the play within four weeks of intense rehearsals. Jatinder Verma (Artistic Director of TARA) supported me as a mentor and led a session for the company to be able to access the language through practical exercises. He gave me valuable tips in adapting the script to focus on one of the themes of the play. Under Jatinder’s guidance I was able to edit the script down to 50 minutes focusing on just the domestic violence. Therefore, the script became much more coherent and there was space for the characters to develop.
During the auditions Jatinder oversaw the process and lead exercises which helped both me and the young performers. It was a great introduction to the Iambic Pentameter. The casting process was a difficult one; the parts where given out in order to give a challenge to each member of the company. Discussing the parts, the performer’s strength and how to develop them further in their understanding of theatre with Jatinder enabled me to cast effectively.
During the workshops we had the benefit of Claudia Mayer (Associate Director of TARA) and Jatinder leading sessions with the company. Claudia’s focus introducing the company to the role of a designer allowed the young people to have a deeper insight to another theatre profession other than merely that of performer. Jatinder’s session on the language and voice allowed me and the performers to be constantly aware of the delivery of the text. Katie Elston helped us with the marketing and created the programme for the company which created a sense of professionalism and credited the young people’s contribution. TARA allowed ArtsBeat access to the company’s costume and props department. Jonathan Kennedy (Executive Director) was available through out the production to give support and advice in regards to every aspect of the production.
The production’s success was predominantly due to the support TARA provides to me, ArtsBeat and its undivided attention to the development of the groups young people. Especially, on this occasion, having Jatinder and Claudia’s support throughout the production made it a fantastic learning curve for all of us.
FILIZ OZCAN
Director, Othello
For TARA’s ArtsBeat young people’s theatre group
@ March 2010
TARA 's ArtsBeat production of OTHELLO was support by the John Thaw Foundation and Wandsworth Council.
http://www.tara-arts.com/
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