MSF ZOOM WORKSHOP SERIES: 'Why Playing Bad is SO Good”

Friday, January 17, 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm
Peering into the Bard's problem Characters Facilitator: Nia Gwynne (Actress) Presented by the Montague Shakespeare Festival

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR WORKSHOP

Nia Gwynne has worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) extensively, playing some notorious Shakespearean characters along the way, including Goneril in King Lear and Tamora in Titus Andronicus. Nia trained at RADA and her career spans theatre, film and television, Nia brings a wealth of experience to this workshop. Her credits include roles in the BAFTA Award-winning film Pride, as well as Darkest Hour alongside Gary Oldman. On stage, she has worked with the RSC, Young Vic, National Theatre Wales, and many more, honing her ability to breathe life into complex, morally ambiguous characters.

This Zoom session, titled "Why Playing Bad is SO Good," invites participants to delve deep into some of Shakespeare's dangerous and morally intricate characters. Whether you are an actor, a Shakespeare enthusiast, or someone fascinated by the human psyche, this workshop offers an opportunity to explore the darker corners of the Bard's work and understand why playing a villain can be one of the most rewarding experiences in theatre.

What to Expect from the Workshop:

Exploring the Villain's Mindset: Gain insight into the psychology behind Shakespeare's villains. Nia will guide you through an exploration of characters like Tamora, Goneril, and Apemantus, revealing the motivations that drive them and the complexities that make them both detestable and fascinating.
Character Depth and Nuance: Discover how to bring nuance to these 'bad' characters, moving beyond simple villainy to find the humanity in their actions. Learn techniques to portray their complexity, making them more than mere antagonists.
Interactive Exploration: Participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with Nia, asking questions, participating in readings, and receiving personalized feedback. Whether you choose to participate or simply observe, this workshop is designed to deepen your understanding of character development and emotional portrayal.
Finding Freedom in Darkness: Understand why actors often find playing villains liberating and creatively fulfilling. Nia will share her experiences portraying some of Shakespeare's darket roles and how embracing these characters can lead to a deeper, more powerful performance.
Community Engagement: Connect with fellow Shakespeare enthusiasts who share an interest in exploring the darker side of the Bard's plays. Share your thoughts, experiences, and insights in a supportive environment.

Acting Credits:

King Lear (RSC): Role - Goneril, Director: Gregory Doran
Titus Andronicus (RSC): Role - Tamora, Director: Blanche McIntyre
Timon of Athens (RSC): Role - Apemantus, Director: Simon Godwin
Henry IV Parts 1 and 2 (RSC) Role Lady Mortimer and Doll Tearsheet Director Greg Doran
Coriolanus (RSC/National Theatre of Wales) Role - Sicinius, Director Mike Pearson and Mike Brookes
Darkest Hour (Film) Role - Alice Simpson, Director Joe Wright
Pride (Film): Role - Gail Director: Matthew Warchus

About Nia Gwynne: Nia trained at RADA and has worked extensively across theatre, film, and television. Her theatre credits include roles with the RSC, Young Vic, National Theatre Wales. On screen, she has appeared in productions such as The Long Call (ITV), Temple (Sky), and The Chelsea Detective (Amazon). Nia's workshops focus on embracing the complexities of Shakespeare's characters, allowing actors and enthusiasts alike to find depth, nuance, and personal connection within the text.

Join us for an engaging and eye-opening exploration of Shakespeare's tricky characters, and discover why playing bad can be so good.

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors and Underwriters

Australis Aquaculture • Artisan Beverage Cooperative • Benjamin Company • Berkshire Brewing Company • Cohn and Company Real Estate Agency • Community Credit • Common Capital • Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts • Connecticut River Internists • Dean's Beans • Easthampton Savings Bank • FirstLight GDF Suezna • Gill Tavern • Goff Media • Great Falls Harvest • Green River Festival • Greenfield Community College • Greenfield Cooperative Bank • Greenfield Savings Bank • Loot • Massachusetts Cultural Council • Montague Bookmill Montague WebWorks • Northeast Solar • People's Pint • Rainmaker Consulting • The Rendezvous • Solar Store of Greenfield • Stobierski and Connor • Told Video • True North Transit • Turn It Up

Exciting News for A Happening IV: Leviathan

Cloudgaze and Eggtooth Productions are thrilled to announce that we have received a generous grant from the Markham-Nathan Fund for Social Justice to support our 2024 Immersive Arts Festival, “A Happening IV: Leviathan.”

This festival will transform the Shea Theater into an exploration of theme, hosting installations, music, theatrical performances, and movement pieces, featuring the collective contributions of over 30 local artists. Audiences will experience otherworldly environments and narratives inspired by folklore, fairy tales, horror motifs, American literature, and the mythos of the Old Testament, all of which delve into the central question guiding the festival: "What does it mean to encounter something greater than yourself and to be consumed by it?" Through this theme, we explore how a community reemerges and imagines itself after destruction and transformation.

With the support of the Markham-Nathan Fund, we are excited to create an event that complicates perspectives and fosters meaningful dialogue. We are grateful for this partnership and for the work of the Markham-Nathan Fund for Social Justice.

Thanks to the Mass Cultural Council for their vital support this year.We'd also like to thank the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts for their support in the form of a Flexible Funding grant. We couldn't do this work without you!