Shakespeare's Magic: All the World's a Stage

Encounter a series of pop-up performances inspired by moments of magic in Shakespeare’s texts. Performances will begin in surprise locations across Level 1 of the British Galleries on the hour between 13:00 and 16:00.

 

From magical transformations to foreboding prophecies, Shakespeare’s work is laden with figures who play with the uncanny and call upon supernatural forces. Students from Royal Holloway, University of London’s MA Directing have explored the V&A collections, to create a series of immersive performances. 

 

 

 

 
Of sorcery and sage 
An actor explores the challenges of Lady Macbeth’s incantation – its all a bit heavy isn’t it? Can she lighten her mood with a bit of relaxation?

Lady Macbeth: Zoe Moody-Reid; Director: Jude Benning

Puck up some courage!
What’s going on in the Melville Bed? Is that Titania and … a donkey?? Puck is up to his mischief – again… 

Puck: Arthur Faustino. Directors: Hannah Freeto, Miles Rosbrook, Jack Young

Portia’s Choice 
The course of love doesn’t run smooth, particularly if you have a father who insists on setting riddles for your hand. Can you help Portia tip the balance in her favour? Or perhaps she has a trick or two up her sleeve…. 

Portia: Lila Batell; Director: Ziyi Xu

The Weirdest Sister
Lila’s just learned to read tarot. Its all very fun isn’t it? Except – it seems to be getting a bit spooky, especially when the tarot take on a life of their own….

Lila the Amateur Medium: Libby Davies; Director Matthew Flynn

Royal Holloway, University of London is home to leading UK Drama, Music & Media Arts research departments. Royal Holloway, University of London.